NAM is delighted to introduce Debbie Fuller as the newly appointed High Performance Netball Consultant
for the Malawi Queens national netball team. Debbie brings a wealth of international expertise and a proven
track record in high-performance netball to support the team’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth
Games and the 2026 Africa Netball Cup.

A highly respected figure in the global netball community, Debbie is a former elite player and an accomplished
coach with over 25 years of experience in the sport. She has served as Assistant Coach for the New Zealand
Silver Ferns from 2018 to 2025, contributing to significant international successes, including:
• Various Medals as Assistant Coach for Silver Ferns (2018-2025)
• Gold medal at the 2018 Fast 5 Netball World Series as Head Coach
• Gold Medal at 2019 Netball World Cup
• Multiple Constellation Cup victories
• A bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Her background also includes professional club coaching, performance specialist roles in the ANZ
Premiership, and extensive coach development work. As a Coach Consultant with High Performance Sport
New Zealand (HPSNZ) since 2022, she has provided strategic insights into national coaching appointments
and initiatives. Debbie has mentored emerging coaches through programs like Te Hāpaitanga Women’s
Coaching Programme and facilitated HPSNZ’s Core Knowledge Programme for high-performance coaches.
She holds a Masters in Public Policy from Victoria University (2002–2005) and completed the High
Performance Coach Accelerator Programme with High Performance Sport New Zealand (2015–2018).
Debbie’s coaching philosophy is strategic and athlete-centred, emphasizing performance planning, team
leadership, coach mentoring, and creating environments where individuals and teams thrive. She is
passionate about understanding what drives elite performance, fostering curiosity, care, high standards, and
personal wellbeing while delivering under pressure. At the core of her approach is the joy of winning, not just
on the scoreboard, but through personal growth, connection, and enjoying the journey. Her role underscores
Malawi Netball’s commitment to harnessing emerging talent, strengthening pathways from youth to senior
levels, and positioning the Queens to excel against the world’s best while ensuring the succession plan for
coaching excellence is in place.

Debbie will interview and pick her technical team (which includes Assistant Coach, Team Manager, Strength
and Conditioning Lead, and Physiotherapist) that she will lead during her year-long contract, with interviews
set for next week. Debbie will also work closely with the technical team management, athletes, and staff to
share expertise fully respecting and enhancing Malawi’s strong netball culture and style of play. While working
with the Malawi Queens, Debbie will also work on a succession plan by working alongside 6 local coaches
whose details will be released shortly.

We are grateful to Jane Patterson, Interim CEO of Netball New Zealand, for allowing Debbie to support NAM
in this endeavor, and for understanding our efforts in strengthening our high-performance and organizational
capability under a new management structure. Netball New Zealand views this as a positive opportunity and
one that aligns with its broader objectives of supporting global netball relationships.

“NAM is thrilled to welcome Debbie Fuller as High Performance Consultant for the Malawi Queens.
Her world-class experience with the Silver Ferns, multiple gold medals, World Cup successes, and
Commonwealth Games honours, will be invaluable as we prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth
Games and Africa Netball Cup. We are confident that her strategic, athlete-centred approach will
complement our strong netball culture, inspire our players, and help unlock the full potential of our
talented squad while training our next generation of coaches. This collaboration honors our proud
legacy while building a stronger future for Malawian netball. Lets give her a warm welcome and wish
her all the best,” said NAM President Vitumbiko Gubuduza

Debbie Fuller is scheduled to arrive in the country on 21st February 2026, where she will immediately begin
hands-on work by camping with the Malawi Queens, conducting intensive training sessions, and meeting
with key stakeholders, including the Malawi Queens sponsors, NICO Group and the Malawi National Council
for Sports. This visit marks an exciting next step in the collaboration, allowing her to immerse herself in the
team’s environment and contribute directly to preparations ahead of the major 2026 tournaments.

As one of Malawi’s most beloved and widely played sports, netball inspires young people and communities
nationwide. With Debbie’s guidance, the Malawi Queens are poised to build on their proud history, sustain
national pride, and inspire the next generation as preparations for 2026 intensify, while assisting in the
development of sustainable netball coaching excellence in Malawi.

We look forward to the impact Debbie Fuller will make on the Malawi Queens’ road to 2027!