In August 2018, Mikki Austin was declared as Surrey Storms manager of netball and that she took on the task of enjoying at exactly the time for it and leading a franchise.
The mid-court player entered her very first director of character in Surrey Storm with important pedigree. She was a part of the title winning group at 2015 and 2016 and has been a winner of the lovers Player of the Season award.
Running a coaching role and a teenaged academy hub in Putney High School laid foundations but also the 26-year-old admits the year wasnt simple.
Last year for all sorts of different motives was really difficult, Austin told Sky Sports.
Ill be quite honest. Everybody says that is the dream job and do not get me wrong, its – I am so blessed and so blessed to get to say I have this opportunity to do exactly what I do – but theres nothing that could prepare you for this job aside from just doing it and trial and error.
Now that Ive got a year under my belt, I feel a lot more ready for whats to come for the rollercoaster which is Superleague. But Im 26 and I have worked really hard for the majority of my playing career where Im an athlete 29, to put myself in a position. I still have this mindset.
First and foremost I am a netballer. Im a participant and that is exactly what I wish to do. I am very lucky that Im supported by an organisation – a franchise at the University of Surrey that back me doing both roles.
After getting six victories in their 18 league fittings surrey Storm finished last season in eighth and Austin admits that the interval was a challenge.
To be really honest I came into this project last year really late. Probably a lot later than anyone required to come to a job like this, so if that is reasonable, you are fighting flames consistently and attempting to get things and setting them up. That was a period.
I always knew this time around was likely to be wholly different obviously because I had much more hours.
I think because last season was so stressful, when this Grand Final was done, it wasRight, all things go in prep for next season and lets get as much done as physically possible in May, June and July so when it regards pre-season period in September, all we have to concentrate on is the playing component. I think this was super smart
Austins focus and trainings mean she has her group. Its some fresh additions in areas that are key and a squad thats made up of 70 per cent of returnees.
Austin believes the new additions willpay real dividends and additionally comprise Northern Ireland international Niamh Cooper and Leah Middleton from Queensland Firebirds.
Yasmin Hodge-England, the franchises appearance manufacturer, Katy Hughes and Yaz Parsons also have returned.
Austin will continue to announce the remainder of Storms 15-player group .
The British Fast5 Netball All-Stars Championship, that will be live on Sky Sports on October 12, will be our first chance to observe some of them in actions.
I really like this job and that I completely understand just how much of an opportunity I have that is truly uncommon, Austin added. I certainly dont take this for granted no matter how stressful it might appear.
I have always wanted this chance and I will take every day as it comes. We have goals and ambitions for Fast5 and past that which we would like to achieve in Vitality Netball Superleague in 2020, so I will do what I could for us because a playing team to accomplish that.
Sky Sports is the home of netball and it yields to your screens while the Roses returning to activity that is televised under Jess Thirlby whenever they tour South Africa in November, beginning with all the British Championships on Saturday, October 12.
