In a significant announcement, Netball Scotland has confirmed the resignation of Karen Atkinson, the Performance Director who has been instrumental in shaping the future of Scottish netball.
A Legacy of Growth and Development
Karen’s leadership over the last four and a half years has revolutionised Netball Scotland’s performance strategies. The remarkable growth of the performance programme and pathways under her guidance is a hallmark of her tenure.
Reflections from Karen Atkinson
Karen shares her heartfelt thoughts on leaving, emphasising the collective effort in elevating Netball Scotland’s status. Her journey, marked by strategic development and collaborative success, sets a high benchmark for future leadership.
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave my role as Performance Director at Netball Scotland. I have thoroughly enjoyed my four and a half years working with the governing body and leading the performance strategy. The performance programme and the pathway have grown and developed beyond recognition, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Netball Scotland staff, the Performance team, Scottish Institute of Sport support staff, volunteer coaches, and all the athletes involved. It has been a pleasure to work with all the staff, stakeholders, and athletes to raise the standards and provide Scotland with a solid foundation by which they can continue to grow.”
Commendations from Netball Scotland Leadership
Lucy Faulkner, Chair of Netball Scotland says, “It’s always sad when we lose treasured members of staff and Karen leaving is a tough one. We are so grateful to Karen for sharing her powerful vision for what we could achieve and for putting strong foundations in place so we can continue to work towards this vision. A consummate professional, who has delivered with pride and passion to inspire so many people to believe they can be even better in our sport, I wish Karen good luck and wish her well in her new role.”
Ken Hay, Interim CEO says, “Karen has been an invaluable asset to Netball Scotland, bringing expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to the sport. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on the sport in Scotland, setting a high standard for future endeavours. On behalf of the whole team, we express our deepest gratitude to Karen for her tireless dedication and significant contributions to Netball Scotland. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations within Scottish netball.”
Their testimonials highlight her visionary approach and the lasting impact of her contributions.
Moving Forward
Karen’s resignation comes in the wake of her international relocation and a shift towards balancing her professional career with family life. Her new venture, while away from netball, promises to continue her trajectory of excellence and innovation.
Karen Atkinson’s tenure at Netball Scotland will be remembered as a transformative era. As she embarks on new challenges, the organisation and its members look forward to building upon the strong foundations she has laid.
