Robyn Broughton to Complete Business at Haier Pulse

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Media Release

20 July 2012

Robyn Broughton to Complete “Unfinished Business” at Haier Pulse

The Haier Pulse has retained the services of Robyn Broughton, with the head coach signing up for the 2013 season after guiding the franchise through its most successfulcampaign to date.

With five victories, including a run of three in a row mid-season, 2012 will be regarded as something of a breakthrough year for the Haier Pulse, but Broughton is quick to point out that the job is a long way from being completed. “For me, it’s very much a case of unfinished business,” she said from Southland where she is currently coaching Verdon College.

“This has been an enjoyable year, but in terms of success it has simply shown us what is possible. We won five games, but it’s the ones that we let slip away that will focus us for next year. We lost to the Fever by two goals, the Swifts by three and twice to the Mystics by four. Our season would have looked very different if we had won those four matches.

“I’ve really enjoyed myself and the girls have been great to work with. I didn’t want to coach anywhere else next year, but this was a decision I had to take some time over and make with my family. Now that everything is agreed, I’m looking forward to building on what we have learnt and giving the supporters plenty to cheer about. Everywhere we have gone in the region we have had fantastic support and that has really helped us to perform.”

Haier Pulse Chairman Ian Collier was delighted to have secured Broughton’s signature. “The board, the players, her management team, the public, our sponsors and supporters across the region have been unanimous in their view that we needed to retain Robyn for 2013,” he explained. “This was our number one priority and we’re delighted that she will be with us next year.

“Robyn’s decision effectively endorses her support and commitment of the franchise and what we are all doing to improve our performance both on and off the court. It also sends a strong signal that she believes there is more to achieve.”

Collier also echoes his coach’s words in terms of how much there is still to achieve. “The results speak for themselves. We had a goal of making the top six and did not achieve that. There is definitely unfinished business and Robyn is the ideal person to help us fulfill our potential.

“Robyn’s qualities as a teacher are particularly evident with her coaching style, a little like Graham Henry. She understands what makes people tick. She is forceful yet empathetic and caring. She is also incredibly loyal to her players, which brings out the best in them.

“There is no substitute for experience and everything that comes with that. Robyn demands the best from her players and has their respect and she has a track record that backs up what she is looking for from each member of the team.”

With Broughton locked in for next year, Collier and his board will turn their attention tofinalising the squad and securing sponsorship: two tasks that will be assisted by the coaching announcement. “We are in no doubt that Robyn’s decision will be a positive thing for our existing team and those players who may be considering a change,” continued Collier.

“These are exciting times for the Haier Pulse. We have been humbled by the number of existing sponsors who have already confirmed their intentions to remain on board for 2013. We are currently in negotiations with Haier and are hopefulthat they will also extend their partnership with the franchise into 2013 and beyond.”

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