Joy Grubb to be acknowledged with coaching honour

AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Senior Netball Coach of the Year award has been named in honour of Joy Grubb, a true icon of netball whose dedication and commitment to the game have inspired generations of participants. Grubb's remarkable career, spanning several decades, has left an indelible mark on the netball community through her leadership, mentorship, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Renowned for her professional approach, Joy's ability to communicate effectively with her players and continually enhance her own qualifications and experience was a testament to her passion for the game and her subsequent success. Her coaching philosophy placed enormous value on building strong relationships, not only with her players but also with their families, fostering a deep sense of community and support within her teams.

A key aspect of Grubb's coaching was her emphasis on considered evaluation, encouraging players to learn from their own performances and target specific areas for improvement. Her focus on discipline, courage, and sportsmanship was not only a hallmark of her own career but something she instilled in her players, whose on-court performances reflected these same values.

Joy's long list of accolades further highlights her impact on the sport. She was named BDNA Coach of the Century and earned the prestigious title of Netball Victoria Coach of the Year in 1994. In 1995, she received the Netball Victoria State Distinction Award, followed by the Australian Sports Medal and Netball Victoria Life Membership in 2000. Her leadership was further recognized with the Vic Sports Regional Award for Sports Leadership in 2004, culminating in her induction into the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame in 2007.

AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz, expressed, “Joy dedicated a significant part of her life to netball in our region, profoundly influencing and positively guiding countless players. Her long-standing commitment to coaching made this decision an easy and clear choice in naming the award in her honour.”

The naming of this award after Joy Grubb is a fitting tribute to her lifelong contributions to netball, ensuring her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of coaches and players.