JWT Joins Kelpies

Australian coaching sensation Jane Woodlands-Thompson is set to take over the head coaching role of the Australian Kelpies, a move that will see her take the team to the first ever World Netball endorsed World Cup for males.

Affectionately nicknamed in netball circles as JWT, Woodlands-Thompson is the biggest signing yet in men’s netball coaching ranks - having coached international and professional netball franchises in the women’s game.  Raised in Adelaide, and following in the footsteps of her iconic netball family name Angove, JWT rose to fame as a dual premiership winning coach in the ANZ Championships.

AMMNA International Director Clare McCabe described the signing as “ground-breaking” for the program and a critical appointment as the rest of the world chase the Kelpies.

“Our elite program has been served by a long list of coaches, players and officials to get the Kelpies where they are today - ranked for four decades as the top men’s netball program globally.  As the hunted, we wanted to make an appointment that aims to take the program to the next level as the rest of world step up.” McCabe said.

McCabe spoke of the national bodies aspiration through the recruitment process to find a coach who could lift the on and off court program and brand performance to a “World Cup ready” level.

“Jane’s resume speaks for itself on court, and when you pair that with her off-court career in HP - she really is a netball unicorn and a rare find.  She’s run HP programs in netball, football, university and school sport to name a few. She can help us develop the category of men’s netball as much as she can the athletes within the program.” McCabe said.

Kelpies captain Dylan Nexhip and his team got first eyes on JWT at the recent Kelpies selection camp, with the now appointed coach acting as a selector at the camp.

“Jane recently joined us at our institute camp where we got small glimpses into her netball IQ and EQ, and it’s fair to say we were all very hopeful of her being our next coach.” Kelpies captain Dylan Nexhip said.

The incoming coach looked forward to the big milestones that await the program under her watch.

“To join the program and build towards Australian men being able to participate in a netball World Cup is the ultimate privilege.  To be trusted to lead this most important milestone in this organizations history, and a critical step in the future of netball more generally, is as humbling as it is exciting.” JWT said.

Asked herself where this fits in her decorated career - JWT shared her first glimpses into the Kelpies environment and what drew her to the top role.

“Theres something really pure and authentic about being amongst amateur elite athletes. Being the best in the world at what they do, but not being afforded the resources other pro athletes and sports have is undoubtedly tough, but tends to reveal a lot about the people within and why they do it.  All I felt from the organization and players was optimism, and a passion and care for the game that made this program, its heritage and its future story something I wanted to be a part of.” JWT said.

Kelpies programming will be released in coming months as the 25/26 international season is scheduled.