Wilson was this morning unveiled as the surprise appointment to the role of Silver Ferns assistant coach, signing a two-year contract through to the end of the 2015 world championships in Sydney.
It is the first time the New Zealand national side has employed an overseas-based coach in their management team.
Netball New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said the high calibre of applicants made for a difficult decision but Wilson's extensive netball knowledge, combined with her skills as a shooting specialist, was the perfect complement to coach Waimarama Taumaunu's defensive expertise.
"We are delighted to have secured someone of Vicki's calibre to support Waimarama in the Silver Ferns environment," said Castle.
Wilson will join the Silver Ferns management team charged with developing, implementing and leading the Silver Ferns programme toward the 2015 World Championships in Sydney, Australia.
As a former Australian Diamonds captain, Wilson is one of netball's most successful players with three World Championship gold medals and one Commonwealth Games gold medal to her credit.
The 48-year-old played for the Australian national netball side for fifteen years and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1992.
After retiring in 1999, Wilson has forged a successful career coaching at an elite level, most recently with the Queensland Firebirds from 2006, continuing in the ANZ Championship for two years until the 2009 season.
Wilson is relishing the opportunity to coach alongside Taumaunu.
"The opportunity to work with Waimarama and with such incredible athletes was too good to miss. I am very excited to take up the role as Silver Ferns assistant coach and working in the Silver Ferns management team. I can't wait to get started," she said.
Wilson's first task will be working alongside Taumaunu and Silver Ferns selectors at the Silver Ferns trials in the first week of August.
- Dana Johannsen of the New Zealand Herald
