FORMER Queensland Firebirds’ premiership-winning captain and Australian international Lauren Brown (nee Nourse) will return to the club as an assistant coach in 2023.
Brown, who played for the Firebirds from 2004 to 2012, is set to join the club ahead of Sunday’s Suncorp Super Netball season opener against the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Nissan Arena.
The 40-year-old played 25 times for Australia in her decorated career and was the captain of the 2011 championship-winning team which went through the regular season and finals without suffering a single loss.
Brown lives on the Sunshine Coast and is the Director of the Flinders Elite Athlete Program at Matthew Flinders Anglican College.
She will combine that role with her Firebirds’ commitments, which will include assisting Head Coach Bec Bulley on gamedays.
“I am really excited to have Lauren on board for the 2023 season,” Bulley said.
“She’s a Firebirds’ legend with a strong connection to the history of our club as well as an excellent coach and mentor.
“I cannot wait to have her join us courtside starting with Sunday’s match against the Thunderbirds.”
Along with the addition of Brown, Bulley will utilise the expertise of Gretel Bueta during her maternity leave to provide assistance during the week.
“Gretel has been involved regularly in our training sessions sharing her knowledge and expertise, particularly with our attacking group,” Bulley said.
“This involvement has been fantastic and I am keen for it to continue throughout the season – especially at times when Lauren is attending to her other work commitments.”
Brown will join the Firebirds for Saturday’s Captain’s Run at Nissan Arena on the eve of Sunday’s round one match-up against the Thunderbirds.
Centre pass for that match is at 3pm and tickets are still available via Ticketek.
