Netball Fiji is poised for a bright future with the recent appointment of Michelle Parsons as the Head Coach of the national team, affectionately called the Fiji Pearls. Parsons, a highly regarded coaching expert from New Zealand, brings extensive experience in elite-level tactical coaching and strategic program development to her new role.
Having been a key member of the Netball New Zealand High Performance Coach Community, Parsons has played a significant role in preparing coaches for the Australian Netball League (ANZ Premiership) and advancing them towards the esteemed Silver Ferns setup. Her impressive career portfolio also includes her recent role as the Pathways and High-Performance Manager for Touch New Zealand, where she has been gearing up for the 2024 World Cup in England.
With a Master’s degree in Sport Coaching from the University of Queensland and currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Waikato, Parsons combines her academic credentials with practical coaching experience. She served as a resource coach for the Northern Stars in the ANZ Premiership in 2025, also leading the Counties Manukau and Northern Comets to significant victories, including Counties Manukau’s first-ever New Zealand Netball Opens National Championship in 2025 and guiding the Northern Comets to the National Netball League Grand Final in 2024, where she earned the title of Netball New Zealand National League Coach of the Year.
Parsons shared her excitement about her new position, saying, “It is a profound honour to be appointed to this role with Netball Fiji. To be entrusted with the development of the Pearls is a true privilege.” She aims to foster a world-class, high-performance environment that not only honors Fiji’s unique playing style but also elevates both tactical acumen and physical standards.
Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki expressed great confidence in Parsons, indicating that her extensive leadership experience will prove invaluable for the team. “We are blessed to have her lead the Fiji Pearls and our High-Performance Coaching Program,” Sorovaki remarked.
As Parsons settles in Suva to guide the national team, her impressive credentials and clear vision have instilled a sense of optimism for the future of the Fiji Pearls. The anticipation surrounding her leadership suggests a promising journey ahead for one of Fiji’s beloved sports teams.