NEW ZEALAND UNDER DEVELOPING SOX GIRLS APPOINTMENTS: Softball New Zealand is delighted to announce Michelle Kingi as the head coach of the NZ Developing Sox Girls (DSX). Kingi will be joined by Aperira Stone as Assistant Coach, and Amanda Taylor as Team Manager.

Michelle adds great international pitching experience having competed on the world stage herself. Throughout her playing career, she represented New Zealand at two Junior World Championships including captaining the squad in 2003. She was also part of the NZ White Sox (athlete #190) from 2001 - 2007, where she attended the 2002 World Series, and also spent time playing in Italy and Japan. For the past few seasons, Michelle has been involved with coaching at both club and representative level with Counties Manukau.

Kia ora
Ko Waikato to awa
Taupiri te maunga
Tainui te iwi
Horahora te marae
No Pukekohe ahau
Ko Michelle Kingi toku ingoa

"Having been given a great opportunity to coach the DSX girls, I am super excited to take on this role and pass on knowledge and experiences that I learnt from some amazing coaches and players I had growing up with playing for New Zealand. I am looking forward to seeing all the talent we have around New Zealand and working alongside them to hopefully open up their opportunities to play at a World Series, Olympics or overseas in the near future. Nga mihi nui" 

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Kia Ora
Ko Amanda tōku ingoa
Ko Taupiri me Hikurangi ōku Maunga
Ko Waikato me Waiapu ōku Awa
Ko Hukanui me Hinerupe ōku Marae
Ko Tainui me Ngati Porou me Ngati Tama ōku Iwi
Ko Ngatiwairere me Te Whānau o Hinerupe ōku Hapu

Amanda has many years of experience managing various club sports teams, moving into Regional Representative Softball Teams. Over the past 2 years, she has been instrumental in the management and development of the Counties Manukau Softball Association Under 13 and Under 15 Girls squads, who won their respective Tournaments in the 2023/2024 season.

Taylor said; "I am looking forward to developing young athletes across the motu. Enabling our kohine to become high-performing individuals who are not only skilled on the field but also confident and driven. I am excited to share my passion and expertise, helping them achieve their full potential and excel in their athletic journey."

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Aperira Stone brings with her a wealth of knowledge and fundamentals, having been involved with championship winning teams in both Wellington and Hutt Valley softball associations across age-grade and women's competition.

She first debuted for the New Zealand Junior White Sox in 2001 as a middle infielder, with time spent in the NZ White Sox from 2001-2006 and 2011. She has international touring experience through North America, Canada, Japan and Australia. Outside of the New Zealand competition, Aperira was the starting shortstop for the Queensland Heat in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons.

When it comes to her coaching CV, Stone was the Premier Women's coach at Poneke Kilbirnie Softball Club (PK) claiming the Intercity Championship in 2021. She was also the player-coach for the Wellington Storm Fastball 45 team in 2022.
 

We are thrilled to have Michelle Kingi, Aperira and Amanda supporting our NZ Developing Sox programme! 

Article added: Friday 18th October 2024