Former Melbourne Vixens coach Julie Hoornweg has been appointed to lead the new Auckland-based team in the inaugural ANZ Netball Elite League next year.
Hoornweg has an extensive CV that also includes stints as national coach of England and Fiji as well as being a consultant to the Singapore Netball Association in more recent years.
"We are delighted that one of netball's most respected and knowledgeable coaches will join the team here in Auckland," Bill Francis, the new team's board chairman, said.
"We know Julie will make a significant contribution to the development of our elite athletes and our coaching programs."
Hoornweg joined the Vixens in 2008 and won the ANZ Championship title in the league's second year.
She believes her experience with the Melbourne franchise in the formative years of the trans-Tasman competition will stand her in good stead for her new role.
The formation of the new Elite League is the result of Netball Australia's decision to go it alone which has prompted the disbanding of the ANZ Championship.
