The Perth Redbacks have announced the appointment of Michelle Fletcher as Women's NBL1 Head Coach.
A well-respected coach and mentor with nearly 15 years of experience, Fletcher has been an assistant coach in Perth's SBL/ NBL1 program since 2016 (and the lead assistant in 2020 and 2021).
She was also recently named Head Coach of the WA Ivor Burge State Team and will have a development role with the Perth Lynx for their upcoming season.
Perth Redbacks NBL1 Director Nathan Barns had this to say about Fletcher's appointment: "We're really excited to have Michelle take this next step as Head Coach of our Women's NBL1 team."
"Our women's program has elevated over the past few years and Michelle's knowledge, experience and relationships have been integral to that elevation.
"We look forward to seeing her continue the great work that has been done in that regard as she applies her ideas and strategies to her great understanding of our current team."
Perth Redbacks President Anthony Nixon said: "Michelle is such a dedicated and passionate Redbacks person who has spent many years developing her craft as a coach."
"The strong relationships Michelle has built in working at all levels in our club puts the women's program in a great position for some exciting years ahead."
Perth Redbacks CEO Lyndon Brieffies is excited to see Michelle elevate in her new role.
"We are thrilled to appoint Michelle into the role of our next Perth Redbacks NBL1 Women's Head Coach," Brieffies said.
"She has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our women's program over many years and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
"Michelle has a high work ethic, an excellent knowledge of the league, and an eagerness to continue to improve the quality of performance of our NBL1 Women's program."
While Fletcher acknowledges the prospect of achieving an NBL1 Head Coaching appointment for the first time is a little daunting, she is extremely excited by this opportunity.
"I've been blessed with many great mentors and head coaches over the years and appreciate their support and belief that this is the right time for me to step up," Fletcher said.
"This appointment is a long-time dream come true, and I'm honoured that it's happening at a club I've been involved with at every level for the past eight years and is like a family to me.
"I look forward to growing a style of play that complements the calibre of players we have in our group, and helping the group continue to develop both as a team and individuals."
