What started out as a school assignment for her physical education class has turned into a life-long dedication as a netball volunteer for Megan Herriott.
The Kaiapoi Netball Club stalwart has been recognised for the many hours she has given back to the sport, her club, and the North Canterbury Netball Centre.
But for Herriott her reward has been the netball environment which has enveloped her during her time as a young player, administrator, and coach.
“I began volunteering from high school age when, through a PE assignment I took on coaching a young team at school. It hasn’t stopped from there,” she said.
“Now it’s rewarding for me personally because I love the game and I’ve made many life-long friends. It’s in my blood and has been from the moment I began playing at the age of 10.
“But now that I’ve retired from playing, I still get to be a part of the team environment whilst sharing my passion for the game as well as my knowledge. It’s a huge reward.”
Herriott also feels a sense of pride in being able to give back to her community in Kaiapoi – a town she is “hugely passionate and proud of” – and passing forward the generous hours that her coaches gave her as a youngster at school.
“I want to keep that wheel turning,” she said.
Herriott has managed basketball and netball teams and this year coached her daughter’s Year 10 team at Kaiapoi High School, taking them to the South Island Secondary School tournament where they placed 13th from 32 teams.
She is also co-coaching the Kaiapoi Netball Club’s premier team and has assisted the North Canterbury Netball Centre’s junior skills development programme, and is a committee member of the Kaiapoi Club, of where she was honoured with a life membership in 2021.
Herriott felt some of her most “touching moments” in her volunteer roles were the weekly catch ups and cuddles with netballers she has coached from previous years.
Her nurturing ways have earned her the nickname “Mummy Megan” and she remains close with many families who have crossed paths with her at the club.
Past players have called on Herriott for character references when applying for high schools or jobs, as well as guidance with their game or life decisions.
“These moments make my heart swell,” she said. “The van trips to tournaments are also the best moments. The excitement, anticipation, and fun on these long journeys around the South Island are moments that money just can’t buy.”
Daughter, Estelle, said her mum had been a consistent friendly face and hands-on member of their netball community for a number of years.
“She has given everything to the sport,” she said, which had meant she often missed watching her own children play sport.
“Without Mum there would be many school teams, clubs and even representative teams left without vial roles in their campaigns.
“Even away from the courts, at home, she is always researching new drills to do with her teams, attending meetings, solving problems and answering questions for her club.”
Herriott’s passion for the game means she will continue to give back to her club, centre, and community, knowing that she is also making a difference in the lives of others.
“There are never enough volunteers in any sport,” she said. “I never want to be a parent who turns up just to watch. My husband also coaches two hockey teams so we often miss many of our own girls’ games, but we know we are adding value to these kids lives and more people should give back by doing the same.
“We should all give back to our communities.”
If you would like to register your interest in volunteering and be connected to your local netball Centre, you can sign up here.