The New Zealand netball community is mourning the loss of Robyn Broughton, a highly successful figure in the sport, who has passed away at the age of 80. Broughton was known for her exceptional coaching career, notably leading the Southern Sting to unprecedented success between 1998 and 2007.
Robyn Broughton’s cause of death investigated
Netball NZ offered its condolences and recognized Broughton as the most successful domestic coach in the country’s history. During his tenure, the Southern Sting secured an impressive seven National Bank Cup titles. Broughton’s contributions extended beyond her coaching role; she was a Netball New Life Member, worked as an assistant coach for the Silver Ferns and mentored many coaches within the Netball NZ High-Performance system. Her influence was instrumental in establishing Southland as a prominent center for netball. Born in Lower Hutt, Robyn Broughton’s netball prowess was evident early in her career when she earned a non-traveling reserve spot for the New Zealand national team in 1960. She played for Hutt Valley, Otago and Southland, captained Otago and Southland, as well as leading the University of Otago and the University of New Zealand.
However, her coaching career has become the hallmark of her legacy. As coach of the Southern Sting, she won an unprecedented seven state titles over a decade. Broughton oversaw 100 games during her tenure, boasting an impressive 82 percent winning record, significantly higher than any other coach during that period. When the trans-Tasman League was introduced in 2008, Broughton continued her successful coaching journey with the newly formed Southern Steel until 2011, after which she coached the Central Pulse from 2012 to 2015.
During the National Bank Cup from 1998 to 2007, Robyn Broughton captained the Southern Sting, leading them to the grand final each year and securing the championship seven times. This outstanding record not only placed Invercargill and Southland prominently on the sporting stage, but also demonstrated Broughton’s outstanding leadership.
According to Bloxham, the success achieved during this period was particularly significant as the region lacked much sporting achievement at the time. Broughton’s innovative approach and her belief in the abilities of her team members were instrumental in creating this lasting legacy. She has been the driving force behind these achievements and successfully won the support of the community. Broughton’s influence extended beyond the confines of the netball court. She held a position of great respect and influence, not only among netball enthusiasts but also in the wider community. Her contribution to both the sport and the community was highly valued and she was deeply respected for her transformative role in advancing netball in the region and the wider community.
Robyn Broughton’s outstanding achievements have also earned her international recognition. She served as an assistant coach for the Silver Ferns from 2000-2001 and led the FastNet Ferns to the 2010 World Championship, which was an introduction to the shorter form of the game. In recognition of her immense contribution to domestic netball, the ANZ Premiership Coach of the Year Award was named in her honor and the recipients received the prestigious Robyn Broughton Trophy in 2021. Robyn Broughton’s legacy in New Zealand netball is indelible and her memory is forever symbolized by excellence and commitment to sports. Her influence will continue to inspire generations of players and coaches.
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Source: HIS Education