Setting an example for those around you is often not something that comes by design - but comes organically from setting high standards for yourself – living up to those standards, and the expectations of others around you raising in tandem. For Rachel Cremin, the pathway coach working with both Netball Scotland and the University of Strathclyde, this has been the familiar pattern.
However, Rachel does recognise the opportunity and responsibilities which comes alongside her current position.
“I’m lucky working within the sport of netball, I work closely with so many young females. I have an opportunity to share a powerful message. Whether the participants become an athlete or not, I think about how they become a good person – and how can I contribute to that?”
Rachel’s role is split between the two organisations through their strategic partnership; however, their mission is unified – to grow the pool of Netball players in Scotland, and increase the quality and quantity of competition these players have access to.
If that wasn’t enough, Rachel is also the Assistant Coach for the Strathclyde Sirens.
Sport for life
Rachel grew up in England in an area, and family, where netball was a part of life. This set the foundation for what Rachel would become from a young age.
“I have been fortunate that I grew up in a time and place where I was surrounded by like-minded people. My friends and family all participated in sport, Netball in particular. So sport was always visible to me. Looking back, everyone was probably a role model, moulding me, at that time.”
Starting in primary school, Rachel followed the traditional Netball progression pathway but hadn’t really considered it more than a past time. However, that all changed in her final year of secondary school when Rachel began to think about coaching – after advice from her PE Teacher who would grow into quite an influential figure in Rachel’s life.
“That was a huge turning point for me. With how I approached myself at that time. I began to take Netball more seriously."
"It was because of that teacher. I respected her approach, how she treated us as students – but also equals. There was a mutual respect. Netball grew from being a sport I played to me … “being a netballer”.
Achieve 2022
Rachel was also selected to be a part of the Achieve Programme at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The Achieve Programme is a Team Scotland project offering Games-time experience to aspiring athletes and coaches, and ongoing mentorship support as they make the transition into high performance. The experience had a big impact on Rachel, inspiring her to keep motivated and continue developing as a coach.
“To be in a city that is a buzzing hive of activity - fans and supporters from all over the world. Press and athletes everywhere. To think that at some point, I could potentially be standing in there with them. It was an awe-inspiring moment. You have to take a deep breath and not be overwhelmed by it.”
Becoming a role model
Rachel now approaches her sessions and participants in a manner that replicates her experience in secondary school. Looking to replicate that experience that was so impressionable on her, both in coaching and in life, at that age.
“It’s not about young people all being absolute superstars – if they are, then that’s ok. It’s about them being happy, being healthy, engaged and participating. I want them to understand that everyone can have a place within sport, whatever that looks like. Coaching, officiating, participating – or even supporting.”
Rachel approaches coaching in a manner that it is a “conversation”.
“For me it’s a shared conversation about the process. I might make the overall decision, but I will listen to you, you will know you’ve been listened to and feel valued.”
“I try my best every day to display those behaviours. You don’t always get it right – but that’s part of it. Hold your hands up and say, I messed up, you were right. Let’s progress down that path instead.”
Find Out More
- About the Strathyclyde Sirens
- About Netball in Scotland
- About Netball on Sport First
