WHILE player milestones are regularly celebrated, those of coaches can often be overlooked.
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But Golden Square Football Netball Club is ensuring the achievements of current A-grade netball coach Kendyl Hopley do not go unnoticed.
The long-serving coach will become the second coach in Golden Square's 28-year netball history to reach 150 coaching games, when the Bulldogs clash with Maryborough this Saturday at Wade Street.
In a twist of irony, the first person to reach the milestone at Golden Square, Deb Symes, will be coaching the Magpies.
Hopley, who is in her second year of her second stint at the helm of A-grade in 2019, said she regarded both her role and milestone as 'privileges'.
"I have been fortunate to have some success as part of that, coaching the A-reserve side, and the last two years I have been fortunate enough to be part of rebuilding the club and working with our youth," she said.
"My husband and I came to the club in 2006 together and it's been such a welcoming club, all the girls have been fantastic.
"I had previous family who played at the club, which i didn't know until after we went to Golden Square. It's just a great place to be around.
"There's been a lot of friends come though, some great times and a lot of great memories."
Hopley started her coaching career at Golden Square in 2008, after a serious knee injury sustained during the 2007 final series temporarily took her from the court.
In her first season as coach, Hopley took the A-reserve team to a grand final appearance and assisted Kath Basilewsky with the 2008 A-grade premiership.
After a break for maternity leave, Hopley returned for the 2012 season and another grand final appearance.
That turned out to be the start of a great era for the A-reserve team, which culminated in a rare three-peat of premierships from 2014 to 2016.
A key player in those A-reserve triumphs and a Bulldogs 300-gamer Jody Richards this week praised Hopley's vast contribution to those flags and her efforts since.
"During this time Kendyl established herself as a no-nonsense coach, who commanded respect, discipline and commitment to the team," said Richards, who is this season's A-reserve coach.
"Her ability to bond a group and work towards a common goal is extraordinary.
"Needing a break after five years, Kendyl stepped aside for the 2017 season but did not last long on the sidelines when she saw her beloved A-reserve girls struggling to find their rhythm.
"Kendyl stepped in part way through 2017 and gave opportunity to many players and guided A-reserve to an elimination final."
When a replacement was sought for former A-grade coach Allira Holmes at the end of the 2017 season, it was Hopley, who answered the call at arguably the most challenging period in the Square's history.
Retaining just a single player from 2017 and with several A-reserve stalwarts retiring, Hopley guided the Bulldogs to an elimination final.
(Golden Square) is just a great place to be around.
- Kendyl Hopley
It has been tough times again in 2019 following the loss of more personnel and without a win after four rounds, but for Hopley, the focus has not shifted from helping rebuild her beloved Bulldogs and laying the foundations for future success.
She is confident of brighter days ahead for the blue and gold.
"To experience success is one thing and when you are the top everything is great, but leading a rebuild is a challenge," Hopley said.
"My legacy is to help put the club in the best possible position we can moving into the future, so we can experience success again.
"It's challenging, but we do have a great bunch of girls to work with. Their willingness to learn is amazing."
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