Caroline Ritchie-Morgan, Head of Girls Games and netball coach at Wrekin College, beat off competition from coaches across the UK to scoop the coveted accolade at a glitzy awards ceremony on Saturday night.
The former captain of the Shropshire netball team who also played for the West Midlands side and had trials for England in the 1980s said today she was surprised and thrilled to have clinched the top prize.
The 57-year-old also paid tribute to her hard-working team of fellow netball coaches at Wrekin College who have helped to ensure a string of enviable successes including taking a team to the national finals on four occasions.
“It was very exciting when they read my name out in front of 350 guests at the ceremony but even better to be back celebrating with the team at Wrekin College who really do share this award with me,” she explained.
Two former Wrekin College netball captains, who competed in the national finals with the school, are included in that coaching team – Gemma Cordingley and Laura Jones together with assistant coach Karen Bennett.
“Wrekin College netball teams consistently put in winning performances at all levels and age groups and it is very rewarding to have that work recognised in this way and to be able to raise the profile of netball at a community and grass roots level,” Caroline continued.
“This is very much an award for the entire team and a tribute to all the hard work by both staff and pupils. It was really lovely to be given a standing ovation by everyone when I returned on Monday to school and to be able to officially thank everyone for the part they played in helping me to win this award.”
The coaching team also works with Shropshire’s Tibberton NC which features a number of Wrekin College’s top players and was listed among the regional winners in the Goalden Globe Awards earlier this year.
Headmaster at Wrekin College Dr Hadyn Griffiths congratulated Mrs Ritchie-Morgan adding that the school was very proud of all that she had achieved.
“It’s a fantastic award and testament to a strong commitment at Wrekin College to encouraging our staff and pupils to aim for the very best and to supporting sport within the wider community,” said Dr Griffiths.