Experienced management team for Steel
As they prepare to launch into their 2025 ANZ Premiership campaign, the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel players can rely on an experienced management team backing their every pass.
Head coach Wendy Frew said the franchise was benefitting strongly from a dynamic mix of personnel.
“When it comes to creating a successful high performance environment, the role of the management team can’t be underestimated,” she said.
“They are the crucial cog which keeps the wheels turning on every aspect of what we do. Our players are incredibly lucky to have the support of such a dedicated and passionate group of professionals.”
On the coaching front, Frew is joined by assistant coach Liana Leota, who returns to New Zealand after a lengthy stint living in the UK. The former Silver Fern has honed her coaching nous at the highest level as assistant coach to the Vitality England Roses and subsequently brings a wealth of international experience to the Steel.
Now in her ninth season, Dayna Kaio returns in the vital role of team manager, ensuring everything runs smoothly from an operational perspective.
Back in action as lead physiotherapist, Stacey Allan is tasked with injury management and player wellbeing. The Southlander is no stranger to the rigours of professional sport, working with a variety of codes since graduating from Otago University in 2019.
Josie McKerchar has joined the ranks as lead strength and conditioning coach, injecting a new energy and fresh approach into the team’s athletic development as they physically prepare for the demands of competition.
Mental skills coach Jason McKenzie adds his significant expertise, providing players with key support which encompasses both psychological resilience and balance for life outside of the game.
Steel’s athletes can strive for peak performance with dietitian Aimee Hall guiding their nutritional fuel for the intensity of training and match-day.
“As a coach, I am rapt with the connections we have formed as a wider management team and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together. It will take a cohesive effort to provide the players with the unwavering support they need to achieve the big goals we all share for the season ahead,” Frew said.
Steel kick off round one of the 2025 ANZ Premiership on Sunday 11 May against the Trident Homes Tactix in Christchurch.
Ends.
Caption: The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel management team, from left, strength and conditioning lead Josie McKerchar, team manager Dayna Kaio, head coach Wendy Frew, assistant coach Liana Leota and lead physiotherapist Stacey Allan.