By JULIE ASH
Netball New Zealand has shown its confidence in Ruth Aitken by reappointing her as Silver Ferns coach through to the next world championships in 2007.
Aitken replaced Yvonne Willering as coach in December 2001 and has since led the team to 26 wins from 28 games.
Her most significant
success came in July when New Zealand beat Australia in the final of the world championships in Jamaica.
Netball New Zealand chief executive Shelley McMeeken said it was logical to extend Aitken's contract through to the next world champs.
"Four years is really an appropriate time - it is from one world championships to another," she said.
"And we are talking about the world champion coach, so we are very keen for her to work with the team ... towards the next world champs.
"We have a huge amount of confidence in Ruth and we are very excited that she is keen to continue."
McMeeken put the Jamaica victory down to Aitken's meticulous planning and preparation.
"Ruth has developed a unique culture within the team, both in the management and in the Silver Ferns.
"We have identified that as one of the key reasons we were so successful."
Aitken said she was delighted to continue because "I mad about the job."
"I am incredibly passionate about it and to have an opportunity like this to work with the best in the country is just fantastic.
"You don't get windows of opportunity like this very often.
"I know how it affects your life in terms of that it is fairly consuming, and the impact it has on your family, so I had to think carefully and talk things through at home first.
"But they have been extremely supportive."
Aitken said she would meet Netball NZ officials soon to discuss the make-up of her management team.
Although the world championships are four years away, Aitken has plenty to focus on, with six tests against Australia next year.
"Suddenly you are now the one that everyone wants to take down," she said.
"But that's sport. It adds pressure, but it is about having the ability to park that pressure and get on and do the job."
The Silver Ferns are in Auckland this weekend for a camp focusing on fitness training and preparation for next year.
They will lead the Santa Parade in the city tomorrow.
By JULIE ASH
Netball New Zealand has shown its confidence in Ruth Aitken by reappointing her as Silver Ferns coach through to the next world championships in 2007.
Aitken replaced Yvonne Willering as coach in December 2001 and has since led the team to 26 wins from 28 games.
Her most significant
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