Coach Robyn Brougton remembered fondly - September 7, 2023
The southern netball community is mourning the loss of legendary coach Robyn Broughton, who passed away yesterday.
One of New Zealand’s most successful domestic coaches, Broughton etched out a remarkable career across all facets of the sport and was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to netball, in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours.
She led the Southern Sting to seven National Bank Cup titles between 1998 and 2007 before taking the reins of its successor the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel from 2008 to 2011 in the trans-Tasman ANZ Championship. She then spent four seasons with the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse from 2012 to 2015.
Her international achievements included coaching a World 7 to victory over Australia in 2009, a World FastNet title in 2010 and three years as assistant coach to the Silver Ferns.
Netball South chief executive Sonya Fleming paid tribute to Broughton’s unrivalled dedication to the sport which saw her inducted as a life member of both Netball Southland and Netball New Zealand.
“Robyn sparked a netball revolution in Southland and ignited a sense of southern pride which continues to burn bright,” she said.
“Her impact on our game was immeasurable. Legend isn’t a word you bestow on someone lightly but Robyn was truly deserving of that status and well-respected by all who had the honour of being coached by her,” she said.
“Her legacy undoubtedly lives on in all of those players she mentored – many of whom have gone on to carve their own successful coaching careers.
“While she was often been hailed for her success at the elite ranks, perhaps it was her influence on the younger generation which was arguably her greatest accomplishment. So many of her young players went on to forge impressive sporting careers, fuelled by a passion for netball she inspired.”
The Netball South board, staff, centres and players throughout the southern zone offer their condolences to Robyn’s family and friends.
