Morrison, who will bring extensive experience to the role, will be tasked with mentoring the Steel’s all-new attacking line-up of England Roses shooter George Fisher, New Zealand under-21 dynamo Tiana Metuarau and young gun Kiana Pelasio, a challenge she is ready to embrace.
"I think it’s the first time we’ve ever had so many debutants in the Steel team. There’s some really strong young talent coming through and if we can pull together as a team the possibilities are endless," Morrison said.
"Kiana was thrown into the fire, so to speak, as a replacement player last season and did extremely well. Tiana is new to the South but not the ANZ Premiership so brings a lot of experience with her and George is a player of international quality which adds another dynamic into the mix."
The Steel role was an opportunity Morrison simply could not turn down.
"To be working with the calibre of players at that level in a semi-professional environment will be incredible. I’ve been a player in that world before but I haven’t been a coach, so I’m looking forward to developing a new perspective and honing my skills even further," she said.
"I’m excitedly nervous and I know from my time as a player that’s a great place to be because it’s often where you do perform at your best."
Morrison, who was the performance manager at Netball South, will also be at the helm of the Southern Blast team to contest the 2021 National Netball League, the tier below the ANZ Premiership.
She will team up with head coach Reinga Bloxham at the Steel. Lauren Piebenga, who has assisted with the side over the past few years has other commitments. Former captain Wendy Frew, who helped with the side last year, had her fourth child in December.
Morrison, who works at Otago Polytechnic, and will be in a part-time role with the Steel, sees coaching the Blast as an asset.
"Having my finger on the pulse with those players coming through the ranks will be really invaluable in terms of the pathways we’re creating here in the South.’’
Bloxham was excited to join forces with Morrison.
"Jo is a very experienced shooter who will add knowledge and skill to our attacking end, especially the shooting circle," she said.
"She has a good understanding of the game and the demands of competing at the elite level. She also brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and grow her coaching skills."
The Steel’s first game is in Invercargill, against the Tactix, on April 18.
