Netball Northern is delighted to announce the re-signing of 2024 Northern Marvels Coaches, Melissa Bessell and Ripeka Pirie for the 2025 season, albeit with a slight twist.
As part of the Netball Northern HP coaching plan, the Marvels coaches will switch roles this season with Melissa Bessell taking up the Head Coach position, and Ripeka Pirie Assistant Coach. Ripeka has also accepted an apprentice coaching role with the Northern Mystics. Netball Northern and Northern Mystics continue to work closely with coaches to build their skill-sets and help prepare coaches for elite level netball in the future.
Melissa is an experienced coach who has spent over a decade offshore coaching international teams and development squads. She joined the Northern Marvels as assistant coach in 2024, on returning to New Zealand. She has expanded her coaching toolbox leading, inspiring and developing high-performing athletes and identifying talent pathways for success.
“As I take on the role of Head Coach for the Marvels in 2025, I am excited to embrace this incredible opportunity to lead a talented group of wāhine” says Bissell. “My recent experience working alongside Ripeka as Marvels Assistant Coach has been invaluable, allowing me to transition back into the performance arena after over a decade overseas in the UK. I thrived under the guidance and support of Tia Winikerei and Rob Wright and I'm excited to continue this journey of growth. I’m looking forward to building a strong, cohesive team culture that celebrates hard work, resilience, and a love for the game”.
Ripeka Pirie was appointed Marvels Head Coach in 2018 and led the team through to the Marvels very first Championship win in 2021. Stepping down from the role at the conclusion of the 2021 season, Ripeka focused on developing her coaching craft in the Northern Zone Elite Performance Programme and Mystics training environment before being re-appointed as Head Coach again in 2024.
“I am incredibly thankful to Tia and Rob for the opportunity to develop my coaching skills within a high-performance environment like the Mystics” says Ripeka. “I have a great deal of respect for their expertise and leadership, and I’m excited to step into a more hands-on role under their guidance”.
“My time with the Marvels has been a rewarding journey, and I’m eager to support Melissa as she takes on the role of head coach for 2025. This new chapter is an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute in new ways, and I look forward to making a meaningful impact in both roles”.
Mystics Head Coach Tia Winikerei says “Rob and I look forward to working with these two experienced coaches again. As a coaching collective who have a broad range of experiences, we continue to build a mutual working relationship that ensures we can challenge and learn from one another every day. Our coaching relationships are mutually beneficial to both programmes and our athletes, it’s a win-win for Netball Northern”.
The Northern Marvels kick off their season with their opening game against the Comets on Sunday 11 May at Eventfinda Stadium.
