Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
The South Australian Cricket Association extends its gratitude to SA Scorpions and Adelaide Strikers WBBL Assistant Coach Jude Coleman, who has accepted a senior coaching role with Cricket Tasmania.
Coleman is set to become Head Coach of the Tasmanian Tigers Women’s National Cricket League squad, as well as the Hobart Hurricanes’ WBBL team.
Before that though, Coleman remains committed and focused solely on completing Adelaide’s WBBL|08 campaign before relocating to Tasmania for the remainder of the 2022-23 WNCL season with the Tigers.
Coleman has made an indelible impact on players, support staff and colleagues since her appointment with the South Australian Cricket Association in 2019.
A highly successful indoor cricketer and former Australian captain, Coleman helped steer the Strikers to the WBBL|05 Final in her first season with the club.
A veteran of 60 WNCL matches with Queensland and one of the top wicket-takers in the competition’s history, her supportive nature, deep knowledge and experience in the sport naturally brought out the best in the playing group.
Adelaide returned to the WBBL decider for a second time last season under Head Coach Luke Williams and Coleman’s guidance, while South Australia also qualified for the WNCL Final last summer for the first time in six summers.
Her coaching prowess continued to come to the fore as Coleman was entrusted with an Australia A squad that went unbeaten through three T20Is and three ODIs against England A last year.
Success continued for Coleman as she served as an Assistant Coach during the Australian Women’s Team’s undefeated run through this year’s T20I Tri-Series in Ireland and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Coleman reflected fondly on her time with SACA.
“I’m extremely grateful to everyone at the South Australian Cricket Association for the opportunity over the past three years,” Coleman said.
“I’ve forged friendships that will no doubt last a lifetime and created many memories, and hopefully there’s a few more to come with this group as we finish off WBBL|08.
“While I’m excited by the opportunity presented with Tasmania, my full focus is on finishing what we’ve started this season at the Strikers and pushing deep into the tournament.”
SACA General Manager of High Performance Tim Nielsen thanked Coleman for her incredible contribution.
“Jude has been an integral part of our coaching setup over the past three years and the results speak for themselves,” Nielsen said.
“It’s bittersweet news, as obviously we’re disappointed to lose someone of her calibre, but it’s also exciting to see her earn such a well-deserved opportunity and reflects strongly on our program.
“Hopefully we can finish off our WBBL campaign successfully and give her the proper send-off Jude deserves.”
