Emma Penfold and Therri Ellison have been named finalists for the 2026 Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award, recognising excellence in coaching across Netball NSW competitions.
The award honours the legacy of Margaret Corbett OAM, a Netball NSW Hall of Fame inductee and Legend who made an extraordinary contribution to coaching throughout New South Wales.
This year's finalists have each demonstrated an outstanding commitment to athlete development, leadership and the growth of netball within their communities, earning recognition among the state's most respected coaches.
Emma Penfold (Port Stephens Netball Association)
For Port Stephens Netball Association President Jodi Cassar, the decision to nominate Emma Penfold was driven by a combination of athlete development, outstanding results and an unwavering passion for the game.
"When I think about Margaret, and then I also think about Emma, and what they both represent, is just their passion for the game," Cassar said.
Penfold has enjoyed remarkable success as a representative coach in recent seasons, guiding Port Stephens' 17s teams to Senior State Titles Championships in 2024 and 2025 before securing a runners-up finish in 2026. She also led her side to a runners-up finish in Regional League this year.
While the results speak for themselves, Cassar believes Penfold's greatest strength lies in her ability to build successful teams from constantly changing playing groups.
"She's very focused on the development of all of the athletes and she really does take the time to understand the players and really think about what it is that they bring to the team," Cassar said.
Across each of those campaigns, Penfold has worked with largely different groups of athletes, consistently creating cohesive and high-performing teams while maintaining a strong focus on individual development.
"She really does look for what it is that the players want to get out of the playing season, but also what the individual strengths are and how she brings that all together," Cassar said.
A National Badge umpire as well as an accomplished coach, Penfold is also recognised for the standards she instils in her athletes and her willingness to support emerging coaches within the Port Stephens representative program.
For athletes fortunate enough to come under her guidance, Cassar said they can expect a coach who challenges them while creating an environment where they feel valued and supported.
"Players can expect really structured and purposeful training sessions with her," Cassar said.
"I think players can expect to be challenged, but in an environment where they do feel safe and supported and confident to learn as well."
Therri Ellison (Inner West Netball Association)
Therri Ellison has built an impressive coaching résumé across a wide range of programs, earning a reputation as a respected mentor, educator and leader within the netball community.
Currently serving as Head Coach of the NSW Marie Little Shield Team, Ellison's experience spans association, representative, Metro, Premier League and Sydney Academy environments, demonstrating her ability to work with athletes and teams at multiple levels of the pathway.
For nominator Ellen Monaghan OAM, however, Ellison's impact extends well beyond qualifications and experience.
"She's just worthy of being nominated because she just eats and breathes netball," Monaghan said.
A qualified Advanced Coach since 2013, Ellison is recognised not only for her work with athletes but also for her commitment to developing fellow coaches. She has mentored assistant and apprentice coaches through the Marie Little Shield program and serves as a Coaches Mentor at association level, generously sharing her knowledge and experience with others.
Monaghan said one of Ellison's greatest strengths is the patience she shows when helping athletes learn and develop.
"There was a drill she taught the players last year that was quite involved and it took them a while to get the hang of it," Monaghan said.
"But she went through it slowly and explained it all, and now it's their favourite drill."
Ellison's nomination highlighted the positive relationships she builds with players, staff, officials and fellow coaches, and Monaghan believes that connection is a defining part of her coaching approach.
"It's not just the top players that she coaches," Monaghan said.
"She coaches the really little children as well, runs coaching classes and mentors representative coaches. She passes on all the knowledge that she's got."
Whether working with elite athletes, grassroots participants or fellow coaches, Ellison is known for creating a supportive environment where people feel valued and encouraged to grow.
"She's just such a caring person," Monaghan said.
"If there's one of them who's having an issue at home or something, she's there making sure everything's alright."
For athletes yet to be coached by Ellison, Monaghan said they can expect a coach who combines high standards with genuine care for the people she works with.
The annual Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award recognises coaches who demonstrate excellence in competition, athlete development, leadership and service to the wider netball community.
The winner of the 2026 Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award will be announced at the Netball NSW State Dinner & Awards on 31 October at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.
You can purchase tickets for the 2026 Netball NSW Awards Dinner directly through the official Netball NSW Shop on PlayHQ. Ticket sales close 16 October.
