Tall Ferns appoint Nat Hurst as head coach

The Tall Ferns, New Zealand's women's basketball team, have appointed Nat Hurst as their head coach. Hurst, a former player for the Australian Opals, first took on the role in an interim capacity last year. She succeeds Guy Molloy, who left the position in March 2024. Hurst aims to make the Tall Ferns one of the top teams in Asia. As a player, Hurst had a successful career. She played for the Opals from 2009 to 2013, winning three championships. She also excelled with the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL, winning seven league titles. After playing in Europe, Hurst moved into coaching, most recently leading the Adelaide Lightning. Now back in Canberra, Hurst will also work as an assistant coach for the Capitals. She feels it is a great time to focus on her family and coaching career. She emphasized the importance of building relationships on and off the court to achieve success. Hurst wants to continue the work started by Molloy and aims to improve the team's current world ranking of 26th. She sees potential in both young talent and experienced players coming together in the program. Joining Hurst will be assistant coaches Mel Bennett and Kerryn Mitchell. Hurst believes having three strong women in leadership roles will benefit the team. Bennett has a history of developing basketball in New Zealand, while Mitchell has experience in both Australia and the Tall Ferns program. The Tall Ferns' first series under the new coaching team will be against the Australian Opals in May. Hurst mentioned that new players will join the squad for this series before preparing for the FIBA Asia Cup in July, which is crucial for World Cup qualification.