TEAM ALIGNMENT

NATIONAL TEAMS & STAFF APPOINTMENT PROCESS
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The New Zealand National Teams programme is aligned and in sync with Softball New Zealand’s National Player and Coach Development Pathway. Key focuses for the U15 - U18 - U23 Mens and Womens programmes is the preparation and development of athletes and coaches toward future winning performances for the senior national men’s and women’s teams on the international stage.

National Team Appointment Policy

Senior Programme

  • New Zealand Black Sox (M)
  • New Zealand White Sox (F)

Under 23 Programme

  • New Zealand U23 Black Sox (M)
  • New Zealand U23 White Sox (F)

Under 18 Programme

  • New Zealand Junior Black Sox (M)
  • New Zealand Junior White Sox (F)

Under 15 Programme*

  • New Zealand U15 Black Sox (M)
  • New Zealand U15 White Sox (F)

* Note: The Under 15 programme is currently converting to an Under 16 programme during the 2026/27 season.

Appointment Policy

Coach & Management Positions

Appointments are generally made for the duration of a WBSC International events cycle (ie. 2-year or 4-year cycle)

Assistant & Battery Coaches, Management & Scorers for National Teams are only appointed once the Head Coach for their respective teams have been named.

NATIONAL TEAM STAFF
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National TeamMale ProgrammeFemale Programme
Senior Programme

New Zealand Black Sox

  • Head Coach - Thomas Makea
  • Manager - Wayne Small
  • Assistant Coach - Vacant
  • Battery Coach - Vacant
  • Scorer - Vacant

New Zealand White Sox

  • Head Coach - Craig Wallace
  • Manager - Kylie Dalton
  • Assistant Coach - Stephen Ratu
  • Battery Coach - Mel Gettins
  • Scorer - Lil Natana
Under 23 Programme

NZ U23 Black Sox

  • Head Coach - Vacant
  • Manager - Vacant
  • Assistant Coach - Vacant
  • Battery Coach - Vacant
  • Scorer - Vacant

NZ U23 White Sox

  • Head Coach - Kiri Shaw
  • Manager - Megan Muir
  • Assistant Coach - Kurtis Tomkins
  • Battery Coach - Craig Gibson
  • Scorer - Lynette Leathart
Under 18 Programme

NZ U18 Black Sox

  • Head Coach - Jason Kumeroa
  • Manager - Jono Cathersides
  • Assistant Coach - Issac Fletcher
  • Battery Coach - Gene Lutton
  • Scorer - Brooke Rowland

NZ U18 White Sox 

  • Head Coach - Dave Elder
  • Manager - Alisha Kerr
  • Assistant Coach - Fiona Campbell
  • Battery Coach - Layla Bailey-McDowell
  • Scorer - Vacant
Under 15 Programme

NZ U15 Black Sox

  • Head Coach - Chris Steffensen
  • Manager - Vacant
  • Assistant Coach - Vacant
  • Battery Coach - Vacant
  • Scorer - Vacant

NZ U15 White Sox

  • Head Coach - Michelle Kingi
  • Manager - Amanda Taylor
  • Assistant Coach - Aperira Stone
  • Battery Coach - Tianna Areaiiti 
  • Manager - Donna Gillard