Netball Super League | Wasps Head Coach Mel Mansfield to step down at end of 2022 season

Mel Mansfield, Coach of Wasps Netball during the match between Wasps Netball and Strathclyde Sirens at Resorts World, Birmingham, England on 6th February 2022

Wasps announce today that Mel Mansfield, has decided to step down from her role as Netball Head Coach at the end of the current season.

Mansfield, who joined the Club for our inaugural season in 2016 as Assistant Coach, was promoted to Head Coach in 2019.

Mel said: “It has been a huge honour to have played a part in the history of this great Club. I have loved every minute of my time here and been very fortunate to have worked with great coaches, support staff and, most of all, with great players.

“It is difficult to leave somewhere that has become home but I will always be very grateful to everyone at the Club for their support over the years.

“The Vitality Netball Superleague is a wonderful competition, and I will truly miss the excitement building up to every game, particularly at Coventry Building Society Arena. The atmosphere created by the Wasps supporters is incredible and I’d like to thank them all for their support during my time here.

“Before leaving at the end of the season, I will continue to work closely with the senior management team, support the recruitment of a new Head Coach and help to ensure an easy transition into next season.”

Wasps Netball General Manager, Sarah Taylor commented: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Mel during our time together at Wasps, both from a professional and a personal point of view. I am hugely appreciative of her unstinting hard work, commitment and loyalty to the Club, and, above all, for the friendship we have forged.

“In our short history, Mel has been instrumental in both of our Superleague titles, as well as taking us to a third Grand Final and Fast 5 success. She has coached the University of Hertfordshire to successive BUCS titles, as well as being invited by England to assist in the 2021 Legends Series.

“Mel’s list of coaching achievements and accolades is hugely well-deserved. Her dedication to the wellbeing and development of players & staff throughout the Club has always been of the highest importance to Mel and the genuine care she has for those around her cannot be underestimated.

“Mel has been part of the Superleague since 2009 and after 13 years of extensive travel, combined with her job as a senior lecturer and all the regular day-to-day demands of family life, I fully respect her decision that it is time for a break.

“We will miss her dearly and wish Mel all the very best in her future endeavours.”

The search for a new Head Coach will be led by Sarah Taylor.