Netball Scotland can today confirm that Gail Parata will step down next month from her roles as the Scottish Thistles National Head Coach and the sport’s Head of Performance after 6 fantastic years. Parata, who moved with her family to Scotland in late 2013, has led the transformational growth and development of the national performance programme for netball in Scotland, most notably achieving the country’s highest ever world ranking of 7th earlier this year.
Having taken the Thistles to two Netball World Cups and two Commonwealth Games, and helped launch the Strathclyde Sirens Superleague Franchise, Parata now feels the time is right to pursue new opportunities.
Parata has loved her time with Netball Scotland and it is with a heavy heart that she has reached her decision, saying:
“It has been my honour and a privilege to be the National Coach of the Scottish Thistles. My family and I have loved our time in Scotland and are sad to be leaving but it is the right time for me to move on to look for a new challenge, and the timing is right for Netball Scotland to bring in a new National Coach.
I am proud to have coached the Scottish Thistles to a top 8 world ranking, through two Netball World Cups and two Commonwealth Games. As a small country we have often punched above our weight and as a result we have earned the respect of our peers and the reputation of fighting until the end – this we have called ‘The Scots Way’. What we have achieved together has been a game changer for netball in Scotland and I have no hesitation in saying that the new National Coach will inherit a great bunch of hardworking and passionate athletes.
Whilst I came here from New Zealand to share my knowledge and experience, I leave here with so much more. My thanks go to the athletes, coaches and management, Netball Scotland Board and staff, volunteers, sportscotland and the Institute of Sport. But my last and most heartfelt thank you goes to the Thistle Army fans. Thank you for always having our back and supporting us through thick and thin. I can honestly credit your support for some of the Scottish Thistle wins over the past 6 years. #BestFansEver.”
Netball Scotland CEO, Claire Nelson, added:
“I would like to thank Gail on behalf of the whole Netball Scotland Family for the incredible, game changing impact that she has had on our sport here in Scotland. She saw the potential in us as a nation, an organisation and a team from day one and has worked tirelessly ever since to empower and enable our national athletes and coaches to realise their full capabilities on the court. She has instilled the self-belief in this small but mighty nation of netballers that we are capable of being a powerful force on the world stage, and leaves behind her a tremendous legacy of which I know she will feel really proud.
The impact and achievements accomplished by Gail during her 6 years in post cannot be underestimated and our sport is in a better place because of the contribution she has made to it.
Gail, from all of us, we wish you and your family well in whatever the future holds for you, and thank you again for everything. You will be missed.”
