Two-time coach of the year Trip to leave Birmingham

At the conclusion of the Netball Super League season, Birmingham Panthers head coach Jo Trip will step down.

The 34-year-old Kiwi won NSL coaching awards in 2023 and 2024 but has “decided to explore new opportunities.”

The Panthers have already been declared out of play-off contention with three rounds remaining in the NSL season.

This decision is based on the conversations that take place at the end of a season as the club grows and we make future plans, according to a club statement.

Jo has chosen to look into new opportunities and depart with our sincere gratitude and respect. Everyone involved with the club has felt her determination and leadership.

Birmingham’s first season was created after Severn Stars, where Trip had previously served as player-coach, helping them to a top-four finish in 2024.

In a season of injury-heavy injuries, the Panthers won three and lost eight of their 11 games. She has focused on coaching.

After suffering two concussions in a month, Captain Gabby Marshall was forced to retire, and Sigi Burger, the team’s star shooter, was sidelined for the duration of the season with a medial collateral ligament injury.

Executive director of the Panthers, Alison Kay, stated that “her enthusiasm and commitment have had a lasting impact on everyone who worked with her.” We wish her every success as she moves forward.