22.09.2023 England in action during a training session in Christchurch. Mandatory Photo Credit ©Michael Bradley.
Liana Leota is stepping down as Vitality Roses Technical Coach after three and a half years. The 40-year-old is also leaving her position as NIC Leeds Rhinos Director of Netball due to new opportunities.
The former New Zealand international and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner joined the England coaching setup in May 2021.
With a wealth of experience at both domestic and international levels, Leota provided technical and tactical support to the Vitality Roses during training camps and competitive series, bringing tactical plays to life on court and enabling the team to challenge at the highest level.
During her time working with the Vitality Roses, Leota has played a key role in several historic England moments.
She worked alongside Head Coach Jess Thirlby as the team secured their first-ever series win in New Zealand in 2021 and was then a member of the coaching setup as the Vitality Roses made history at the 2023 Netball World Cup by reaching their first-ever final and coming home with a silver medal.
Discussing the news, she said: “I would like to thank England Netball for all their support throughout my time.
“The Vitality Roses staff and players are another branch of my netball family that continues to grow along my journey.
“My time with the Roses has seen some of my greatest moments to date and I am so proud of what we have achieved together.
“What I have learnt, experienced and achieved with this group has given me the confidence and belief to take on new challenges.
“I wish David [Parsons, Performance Director], Jess and Sonia [Mkoloma, Roses Pathway Head Coach] all the best and look forward to watching from the sidelines as you all continue to change the game we love. Thank you!”
Praising Leota’s contribution to the Vitality Roses, Head Coach Jess Thirlby commented: “Liana has been a welcome addition to the coaching team over last three years imparting her valuable experience as a former international player through her role as Technical Coach. Her flair on the court as a former Silver Fern and during her time playing in Super League was admired by many and this continued in her role with the Roses where she has helped us to think differently and creatively about our attacking game.
“Liana goes about her work with care for the people she’s supporting, attention to detail and a desire to help grow the game. Although we’re sad to see Liana go, she leaves us in a far stronger position because of her contribution in recent years and we are very grateful to her. We wish Liana and her family all the best for the future.”
Everyone at England Netball would like to thank Liana for her contributions to the Vitality Roses and wish her all the very best for her next chapter.
