Helen Riolo is this year’s recipient of the PNA Bette Allison Coaching Award. The award is presented to a coach of a PNA team at the Association Championships who displays an aptitude and desire to progress through the coaching development pathway.
Riolo joined the PNA coaching team in 2021 and coached the 13.3 team as well as taking the PNA Metro League 14.2 team. She coached the 13.2 team to the Grand Final at this year’s Association Championships and is currently coaching our 14.1 team in the inaugural year of the PNA Academy program. Riolo has also coached year 2-6’s for St Dominic’s Dragons netball teams and in 2022, took on a dual club role with St Dominic’s and Classics.
PNA Development Officer Tibbie Galbraith, said Riolo was a very worthy recipient of this year’s award.
“Helen is an incredibly accomplished coach who comes from a fantastic playing background.”
Riolo played 60 games with the Perth Orioles as well as being one of the captains of the team in 2006.
“Her experience and exposure to the elite playing environment is a brilliant asset to PNA and the expectations and intensity required. Helen’s passion for Netball translates in her coaching and her development of athletes at the grass roots level”.
“Helen’s athletes in 2021 grew and developed in their basic skill execution and this translated to skilled athletes in the tournament environment. When Helen reapplied in 2022 for coaching roles, we were thrilled.”
“The improvement and development of the athletes Helen has coached is shown on court. She is supportive, drives intensity and demands excellence while creating a fun and happy environment for the athletes.”
This year’s Bette Allison Coaching Award was presented by Sue Gerrard who played under Bette Allison at Royals during the club’s most successful period in the 1980’s.