VU-Western Lightning has rewarded coach Matt Hills with a contract extension after the club’s stellar season in the Victorian Netball League championship division.
The Lightning went from second-last a year ago to playing off in the grand final and club insiders say the influence of Hills over the operation has been profound.
He will have the added responsibility of overseeing the playing direction of the club on the whole after being appointed to the head coaching role.
The Lightning has brought in Shelley Ramirez to fill the senior assistant coaching position.
Ramirez has coached the past four seasons at the Southern Saints with tremendous success.
She took the division 1 side to grand finals in her first two years and just missed out on reaching the finals in her first season at championship level this year.
Following a successful year as championship assistant, Melissa Ryan was promoted to division 1 coach, and she will be assisted by Wes Armstrong.
Lyndell Bruce will continue her role as under-19 coach, but will have a new face by her side.
Melody Hills, a level 2 coach with national championship experience, will be the new assistant.
