Charlie Whetu has been appointed as Head Coach of the NSW Over 35 Women’s team for 2022 & 2023. He shares his insights on coaching as well as playing at this level.

What does it mean to you to be appointed as the Head Coach of the NSW Over 35 Women’s team?

To be selected as an NSW Softball representative is indeed an honour, and to be appointed as the Head Coach is very humbling. Many of the players who will be selected to represent this team have at some stage during their career played with or against me during their younger years. I look forward to again being involved in their career with the vision of ensuring they want their children to play our great game for as long they continue to enjoy it as well.

What excited you most about your appointment?

It has to be about being trusted with the challenges and responsibilities of promoting continued enjoyment, skills development, integrity, participation, and respect of the game with every player, coach, and official, of this team. Hopefully, each member of this team can look back at their time in this team and reflect on it being such a tremendous learning experience that they all stay involved in some capacity within our great sport for many years to come.

What should potential athletes expect upon entering the Over 35 Women’s program?

Honesty, flexibility and commitment. There will be challenges that we as a united team of women may have, with regard to having young families, work, and other unexpected changes to commitments. These matters will require reasonable flexibility that will require a commitment of the coaches, and officials to provide a good structure, planned, and organized program to ensure that every member of this team has the opportunity to continue skills improvement as an individual, that benefits the overall outcome of themselves and the team.

What advice can you give to aspiring coaches who hope to coach at this level one day?

Watch, listen, and never stop learning. When you think you know it all - you’ve stopped learning therefore you no longer have as much to offer anyone. Become a student of the game and evolve with it where necessary. if you’re not prepared to change, chances are you’re still in the dark.

Softball NSW would like to congratulate Charlie on his appointment. We know he will do a fantastic job.