How did you end up at United?
If you were to cut my arm, my blood would run red and blue… I guess it wasn’t a matter of ‘ending up’ at United, rather a matter of ‘returning’ to a club that is so lovingly entrenched in my past and furthermore, foreseen as a massive part of my family’s future.
From a young girl to young adult, United was like a second home; its loyal members like a second family. My Dad, Graeme Weatherley and beautiful Mum Jan, were invested in the Club; Dad’s coaching experiences and Mum’s tireless support and voluntary efforts, undoubtedly influencing my desire to play netball for United. I was fortunate enough to play A Grade alongside amazing talent and under the expertise of brilliant coaches, all of whom had a significant impact on my netball career.
I moved to Melbourne to study and whilst able to ‘fill in’ at times, I was unable to fully commit, resulting in my decision to cease playing for United.
Returning to the area with husband Tom and my three sports-mad children some 15 years later, instigated our return to this great Club.
Season 2025 was the year for the Robinson Family to fully commit and give back to a club that has given me so much across my lifetime. I was most humbled when Nat Kirby proposed the opportunity to coach the U15 GVL netball team; it is both a pleasure and a privilege, to be a part of this journey. I am so proud and will remain forever grateful, to be coaching our daughters Ellie and Maddison, while Tom is thoroughly enjoying coaching the U14 footy team, of which our son Baden, is an eager participant.
United is our ‘family club’; All 5 Robinsons would be nowhere else.
As a coach, what are your key priorities in your coaching methods?
I am a firm believer that without success off a court, you are never going to achieve your greatest success on it.
At the very core of my coaching, are the respectful rapports and relationships established with and within the playing group. For me, the most rewarding aspect of coaching are the personal connections made and those you help nurture. I believe pivotal to establishing genuine connections are the values you uphold as a coach. For me these include:
- Time investment into ‘team building’ – fostering opportunities to connect from the very first session and continuing to include activities which promote this throughout an entire sporting experience. This extends beyond the playing group to families, friends and other people of importance to my players.
- Communication – Be open, honest and proactive.
- Organisation – Punctual, planned and prepared.
- Give ‘voice’ to players – I love learning; we can gain so much from our players if we take time to listen and seek input in controlled and planned ways.
- Provision of timely and specific feedback, which is delivered in both formal and informal means – Players need and deserve, explanations and justified decisions.
- Equality
- Own your mistakes
As a parent of a player, what is it you want from a Club to provide?
As a proud parent of three children who wear the ‘red and blue’, I wish for a Club that actively upholds their values to ensure a safe, stimulating and most enjoyable environment both on and off a court or field. I trust in a club that generates a sense of belonging and extends support and opportunity, whilst positively influencing the growth and progress of our children, not only in their sporting endeavours, but in their personal development.
My hope is that this great club becomes a much loved ‘second home’ for our children, just like Shepparton United was for me growing up.
