Di Honey is the new coach of Melbourne Vixens.
The Brimbank-resident beat out a competitive and world-class shortlist of candidates from both Australia and overseas for one of the most coveted coaching roles in netball.
The former Australian Diamond replaces Simone McKinnis who stepped down at the end of the 2025 season after 13 years at the Vixens’ helm.
Honey has been an integral part of the Vixens’ coaching team across much of McKinnis’ tenure, serving as assistant coach since 2014 and playing a crucial role in three championships, won in 2014, 2020 and this year.
Honey said she was thrilled to be taking on the senior coaching role at the Vixens and excited by the task ahead at the reigning premiers.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such a brilliant group of athletes who also happen to be great people, which makes my job that much easier,” she said.
“As the reigning champions we will go into next year as the hunted, so we are going to have to be more committed and work harder than ever before – although I am a firm believer in having some fun along the way.
“I’m looking forward to putting my own stamp on how we go about maintaining the high standards this club has set for itself over many years, so the Vixens can continue to enjoy success now and for seasons to come.”
Honey’s extensive coaching experience includes stints as a specialist coach with the Australian Diamonds, as head coach of Super Netball development team Victorian Fury and as a development coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport.
She wore the Diamonds uniform in 17 matches from 1985-1988, including at the 1987 World Titles where Australia won silver.
Netball Victoria chief executive Andrea Pearman said Honey had a proven track record over her time at the Vixens as an innovative coach and for building a strong rapport with the players.
“Di is a person of outstanding character who has already made a significant and positive contribution to the Vixens. What became increasingly apparent through a thorough recruitment process is that she is also the right person to lead the next phase of success at the Vixens, starting with their title defence in 2026,” Pearman said.
Netball Victoria president Carol Cathcart said Honey’s commitment to the Victorian pathway was notable throughout the interview process.
Honey has been appointed for two years with an additional year’s option.
