KRISTI HARROWER OUR NEW COACH

June 5, 2024 | Southside Flyers news

Kristi Harrower has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Southside Flyers, the reigning WNBL Champions.

Harrower is one of the greatest players to have represented Australia and she has been honing her coaching skills in Assistant roles with the Australian Opals and Melbourne Boomers, and in the Head Coaching role with Keilor in the NBL1 this season.

“We are delighted to welcome Kristi Harrower to the Flyers. A once in a generational player, Kristi has an incredible passion for the game and has already displayed the attributes that will make her a successful coach,” said Flyers owner Gerry Ryan.

“She is a teacher and will ensure all players benefit from her experiences, knowledge and strategic insight into the game,” Gerry added.

For Harrower, this is an opportunity to continue her rise as one of the leading coaches in Australia.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to coach in the WNBL, and in particular to work with Gerry Ryan. Gerry has been such an important part of the development of women’s basketball in Australia and I know he has created a great team culture at the Flyers.

“After speaking with Gerry, this role is the ideal fit for my coaching philosophies, with a focus on development. Every player wants to learn, no matter what level they are playing, and the Flyers will be about development; of the individual players and of the team,” Kristi said.

As the only WNBL team in Melbourne in the 2024/25 season, there will be even greater responsibility for Kristi and the team to be out in the community to promote the Flyers and the WNBL, something she is looking forward to.

“I love this game and look forward to promoting the Flyers and encouraging young girls to be involved in the game,” Kristi added.

With the WNBL Free Agency set to open next week, Harrower will be straight to work, looking to build an exciting, talented playing group for the upcoming season.

 

The Flyers will make announcements on the Assistant Coaching roles and player signings in the coming weeks.

Kristi Harrower was born in Bendigo and made her WNBL debut as a 16 year old. A member of the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame and former captain of the Australian Opals, her career highlights include:

  • Four time Olympian – 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. Three Silver and One Bronze medal
  • Gold Medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championships
  • WNBA – 7 seasons (Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, LA Sparks)
  • WNBL MVP
  • 7-time WNBL All Star
  • Dual WNBL Champion