Jill McIntosh, who joined Cardiff Dragons as a coach at the end of the previous season, returned as Head Coach for their 2024 season. This decision coincided with the Dragons’ rebranding, just in time for the 2024 Netball Super League season.
A decorated netball player, captain and coach, Jill McIntosh has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2020 for her substantial contributions to netball. By returning to the Dragons, she aimed to leverage her extensive experience to supercharge the team for a successful season.
Having served as a player and captain for the Australian Diamonds and later holding the Head Coach role from 1995 to 2003, McIntosh led the Diamonds to two gold medals at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. She also guided them to secure two World Championships in 1995 and 1999. Reflecting her impressive track record, McIntosh achieved a 94%-win ratio during her tenure.
After leaving the Australian Diamonds, McIntosh continued to make an impact in the netball world. She worked for several teams, including the Central Pulse in the ANZ Premiership from 2007-2008 and Singapore from 2009-2001. Additionally, she served as the Technical Director and Head Coach for Jamaica at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the 2015 World Cup in Sydney.
At the beginning of the year, Jill expressed optimism for the season ahead and was looking forward to returning to the Dragons. “I was thrilled to return to the Head Coach position with the Cardiff Dragons for the 2024 NSL season,” she said. Having had a small stint with the Dragons in the 2023 NSL season, Jill is enjoying working with the returning athletes as well as some new and exciting athletes who have joined the Cardiff Dragons franchise.
Cardiff Dragons’ next upcoming fixture is against Surrey Storm at Cardiff’s House of Sport on 19th April 2024. To get your tickets, visit: https://cardiffdragons.com/
