I have been coached by Melissa O’Brien for the past 6 years.

Throughout this time Mel has been a great mentor and friend both on and off the netball court and is a coach who is highly respected by her players.

Melissa’s style of coaching is very skilled based, which is evident by the sequences of drills she uses in her coaching. This is apparent  in the progressions of drills she uses throughout a season.

Basic skills that are learnt in the early part of the season, are constantly revisited throughout the year in more complex drills and court work. This enables players to keep working on those basic skills whilst incorporating them into game situations. Melissa also has a very fitness based approach to her coaching, and requires her players to be at peak physical fitness. She is a coach who demands effort and commitment from her players. She is great at communicating what she requires from her players, whether it be in a drill at training, or on court during a game,  and she is able connect with players of all ages and abilities.

Melissa has helped me develop all aspects of my game throughout the past 6 years. As a goal shooter, Melissa has taught me the importance of being a good defender, and of having 7 attackers and 7 defenders on court. I have learnt that netball is not necessarily about who is the fastest or most skilled, but who is able to make the best decisions on court.  She has helped me understand the commitment and dedication required to play netball at a high level, whilst constantly reminding us that there is more to life than a netball game.

Laura Stokes

Wildcats Tier One

Queensland Fusion