At Naenae Collegians United Netball Club, you鈥檒l find a strong community, and right at the heart of it is Club President Phillipa Whitney, a dedicated volunteer whose impact spans more than three decades.
Phillipa鈥檚 role is broad and hands-on. Each week during the season, she鈥檚 coordinating umpires, supporting teams on the sideline, helping with trainings, and leading the club behind the scenes, all while continuing to umpire for Netball Hutt Valley and secure funding to keep the club accessible and thriving.
Her netball journey began in 1986 as a player. By 1993, she鈥檇 stepped into a committee role and never looked back. When her original club, Collegians, merged with Naenae Netball in 1996, Phillipa helped guide the transition and has been a cornerstone of the club ever since.
鈥淚 was inspired by the opportunity to help, it was a way to give back using my admin background, and it鈥檚 where I found lifelong friendships.鈥� Phillipa says.
鈥淭his club feels like family, there鈥檚 real pride in seeing players, wh膩nau, and our community grow through netball.鈥�
In 2024, Phillipa led a new initiative to place wellbeing at the centre of the club鈥檚 culture. Recognising the rising pressures on players and families, she encouraged the club committee to introduce health initiatives, CrossFit sessions, physiotherapy support, and even bananas after games to aid recovery. A highlight was welcoming former club player and Silver Fern Karin Burger back to lead a training session, something Phillipa says left a lasting impact.
There have been challenges too, including two torn achilles that forced Phillipa to give up playing. But that didn鈥檛 stop her. 鈥淭he support I received from the club got me through. I took up umpiring and found a new way to stay connected to the sport I love.鈥�
When asked how many hours she volunteers, Phillipa said 鈥淢y husband says it鈥檚 鈥榓 lot鈥� - and he鈥檚 probably right!鈥� But for Phillipa, it鈥檚 never been about the hours. It鈥檚 about people.
鈥淥ur club is known for being friendly, professional, and passionate about developing players, that鈥檚 what our members value, and it鈥檚 what keeps me coming back.鈥�
For Phillipa Whitney, volunteering isn鈥檛 just about netball. It鈥檚 about building a place where people feel they belong.
If you would like to learn more about how you could volunteer or be connected with your local Centre, please contact Jenna (