Vitality Netball Superleague | Celtic Dragons announce Tania Hoffman as new head coach

Celtic Dragons have announced former Surrey Storm Director of Netball, Tania Hoffman as their new head coach ahead of the 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague.

Hoffman has extensive experience as a Coach and for the past 2 seasons has been the Director of Netball and Head Coach for the Surrey Storm franchise. Under Tania’s direction the team achieved a highly commendable 5th place in 2017 rebuilding after multiple departures. Tania was previously the assistant coach for Central Pulse in New Zealand.

With 9 years coaching the national provincial teams for Canterbury and Christchurch Hoffman’s teams made the top four in 8 tournaments and won 3 titles.

Hoffman is also part of the highly regarded Netball New Zealand High Performance Coach Development programme. Inclusion into the programme is limited to coaches who are coaching athletes at the elite level.

Taking the helm at Celtic Dragons, Hoffman shared her thoughts on the challenge ahead. She said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the Celtic Dragons franchise. Celtic Dragons are committed to improving their performance in this highly competitive league and I look forward to working alongside such a passionate team.”

She added: “I am looking to build on the framework that Julie Hoornweg implemented last season and continue the growth and development of the franchise.”

Sarah Jones, CEO of Welsh Netball was pleased to have secured the new head coach for the Dragons.

She said: “I am delighted to welcome Tania to Celtic Dragons ahead of the 2019 season. Tania brings a wealth of experience with her as a coach, and her achievements speak for themselves.”

She added: “For the first time in the Dragons history we now have a dedicated head coach that is completely separate to Wales. This demonstrates the ambition of the Dragons as they embark on a fiercely competitive Vitality Netball Superleague season.”

Celtic Dragons, who have represented Wales in the Vitality Netball Superleague since its inception in 2005, will soon be confirming its playing squad for 2019.