Magpies, Souwest Jets coach wins Wally Foreman award

Souwest Jets coach Erin Culnane received the Wally Foreman Coach of the Year award at Friday night’s 2018 South West Academy of Sport annual awards dinner.

Culnane, who played netball professionally for the Sydney Swifts in the former Commonwealth Bank Trophy national league, received a ringing endorsement from members of the audience upon being announced the winner.

“I’m really someone who just used to play a bit,” she told the audience.

“I was someone’s mum and was handed a set of bibs and a ball one day. I think I would say for those interested in coaching to get involved.

“It’s increased confidence in myself and my ability to communicate with a whole range of people. I’ve enjoyed the journey as much as it has been a difficult one.

“I get to interact with some beautiful and excellent young people on a regular basis.”

Aside from her commitments with the Jets, Culnane coached the Busselton Magpies to SWFNL premiership glory last season – their first league flag in a decade.

In a memorable season for the Magpies, all four club sides made the grand final, with three of them winning premierships.

“That was the cherry on top of the cake I think,” Culnane said.

“I think we all know that we play sport for a lot of reasons and it isn’t all about winning, but I think it was a culmination of some of the hard work we did in the lead up to it.

“In terms of raising the standards and the professionalism, along with making it a very inclusive environment.”

Post-event, Culnane told the South Western Times the award was satisfying given she knew Wally from her tenure as a WAIS athlete and held him and the Foreman family in high regard.