‘Serious’: Lightning boss speaks out after coach axing
Sebastian Tan |
Adelaide Lightning’s boss concedes the sacking of former coach Kerryn Mitchell came at a difficult time, but has dodged questions on whether she was the right fit for the WNBL team.
Mitchell parted ways, effective immediately, with the Lightning on Tuesday, just days after leading the side to an overtime victory against the Geelong Venom.
She had posted a 3-4 record with Adelaide this season, sitting fifth on the WNBL ladder.
The announcement came just hours before the side hosted the Townsville Fire, who handed them a 90-64 defeat.
Chief executive Melanie MacGillivray admits it has been a “tough 24 hours”, but when asked whether Mitchell was the right fit, she didn’t say yes.
“There are some things I won’t and can’t say when it comes down to it,” she told AAP.
“We’re very thankful for Kerryn Mitchell and her commitment and what she’s given to our club.
“This matter was taken with very serious consideration, which included the board, our ownership group, and we have the support from all of the key stakeholders involved.”
MacGillivray didn’t provide a reason for the split, as Mitchell became the third head coach to depart the club in less than a year, following Nat Hurst and former NBL coach Scott Ninnis out the door.
Adelaide assistant coach Cherie Hogg, who wasn’t at Tuesday’s game, said she had been “given some space” to think about her future.
MacGillivray insists the team wasn’t blindsided by the sacking, because the players knew before Tuesday’s announcement.
“We went to team training and we shared the news, which was tough news to share,” MacGillivray said.
“Every consideration was put in place, and we really stay committed to driving a culture of high performance.
“Timing is always difficult in sport, in life, right?”
After Tuesday’s match, captain Steph Talbot said the decision had been tough on everyone at the club, but that the team remained focused on their goals.
The club has appointed assistant coach Georgia Crouch to replace Mitchell.
Crouch has been part of the team since the side was revamped after the previous owners relinquished their licence to Basketball Australia.
It led to the WNBL’s new owners announcing a partnership with the South Australian government to fund the team.
MacGillivray conceded every club “would want to have a permanent coach”, and that more information on who that would be will come soon.
“She stepped in at a time when she was needed, and she has the full support of the club,” she said.
“I’m really proud of her. Her father is Peter Sexton. He was the assistant coach for the Adelaide Lightning when they won the championship in 1994.
“Georgia’s been part of a basketball family her entire life, and then decided that coaching was something she was very passionate about.”
The Lightning play the Bendigo Spirit on Sunday.
AAP
