National netball coach Annette Bishop steps down after nearly 5 years in charge

SINGAPORE – There were times over the past few years when national netballer Jamie Lim thought that she had reached her peak as a player.

But national coach Annette Bishop saw untapped potential in her and helped her improve as Lim established herself as a key player on the team.

“She pushes us and tells us that we can go a step further,” said the 24-year-old, who plays goal defence and goalkeeper. “She believes everyone has their own strengths.”

Lim was among those who paid tribute to Bishop, whose departure was announced after Singapore’s 61-33 defeat by Kenya in the Mirxes Nations Cup final at OCBC Arena on Sept 7.

Citing personal reasons, the 57-year-old Auckland native is stepping down before her contract ends in December to return to New Zealand.

Khor Ting Fang, who plays wing defence, goal defence and centre, echoed Lim’s sentiments, recalling how Bishop appointed her as co-captain alongside Toh Kai Wei in 2021 when she had just two international caps.

“I don’t think you’ll see a captain with two caps anywhere else in the world, but she gave me that trust and I hope that over these few years, I’ve done her proud,” said the 28-year-old, who was teary-eyed as she also recalled how Bishop supported her when she was struggling with stress from the game and personal life.

There was not a dry eye in sight among the Singapore players as Bishop bade farewell after nearly five years in charge.

A tribute video produced by the players and Netball Singapore was played on the big screen, before Bishop was presented with a bouquet of flowers and embraced by her charges.

Explaining her decision to leave, Bishop said: “When you’re an overseas coach, it’s a bit hard.

“It’s always been harder with family and all that with my parents getting older and... my children being there, and especially having gone through Covid here as well.

“As much as I love Singapore, it hasn’t been an easy decision to step down, but I’ll always be here for Singapore.”

Bishop took over the reins from compatriot Natalie Milicich in January 2020, after being the team’s video and performance analyst.

She led Singapore to

their first Nations Cup title in 16 years

in 2023, as well as a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Netball Championship.

She also played a key role in the formation of developmental side Singapore A, which was set up in 2020 to ensure a pipeline of talent.

Bishop highlighted that these successes were a team effort, adding: “I believe the squad is in a very good position and the young ones are coming through.

“It’s just an opportunity for someone else to come through and grow the sport more.”

Taking some time to compose herself as she started to tear up, Bishop said: “It’s pretty hard being courtside now. Even walking out and singing the national anthem, it was heartbreaking.”

Netball Singapore president Trina Liang noted how the sport has grown under Bishop.

“As we move forward, we remain committed to building on the solid foundation that Annette has established,” she added.

National assistant coach and Singapore A coach Yeo Mee Hong will lead the team at their upcoming assignment – the Oct 18-27 Asian Netball Championship in Bangalore, India.

She will be supported by specialist coach Jill McIntosh, a former Australia captain and national coach who has won multiple World Netball Championship titles.

The 69-year-old, who was in charge of Canada at this Nations Cup, has been a consultant and specialist coach for Singapore since 2004.

She last worked with Yeo at the 2006 Asian Youth Netball Championship, an Under-21 competition that was also held in Bangalore.

Crediting Bishop for instilling self-belief in the squad, Yeo said major changes to the team are unlikely as they eye their first Asian title since 2014.

Yeo, who was the acting national coach for the 2017 SEA Games, believes that her familiarity with many of the players would make it a smooth transition.

She added: “It’s a long competition so we are hoping we will continue to lift our performance and carry on what we’ve been doing well in the international scene.

“The other Asian countries have also improved a lot and we will continue to push forward.”

McIntosh believes the team are in good form and feels not many adjustments have to be made before the tournament.

Netball Singapore chief executive officer Cyrus Medora said the association “will reassess our coaching needs” and aims to make a final decision on the next national coach by March 2025.

Noting that Singapore’s past coaches have come from netball powerhouses Australia and New Zealand, he said: “The expertise and experience gained at the highest level of competition are invaluable.

“We will continue to explore all options as we seek a successor who can sustain and build upon the progress Annette has made.”