Basketball New Zealand is proud to announce the appointment of an exceptional coaching line-up for the 2degrees Tall Ferns, bringing together decades of expertise and leadership to guide the team into the future.
Former Adelaide Lightning coach, Natalie (Nat) Hurst, has been appointed as the team’s new Head Coach.
As a celebrated former Australian Opal, Hurst brings extensive international experience to the 2degrees Tall Ferns. A playing career that saw her play for her national team, alongside winning seven WNBL titles with Canberra, and a professional stint in Europe has set her up perfectly for this next chapter of her coaching career.
She transitioned into coaching in 2020, serving as an assistant coach under Chris Lucas in the Adelaide Lightning set up, before succeeding Lucas as the team’s Head Coach, a position she held until December of 2024.
Nat was announced as the interim head coach of the 2degrees Tall Ferns back in July of last year, taking the team on a tour of Japan before leading them into the FIBA 2026 World Cup pre-qualifiers in August, so taking the reigns as full-time head coach of the team will be nothing new.
“I am both humbled and excited to be named the Head Coach of the 2degrees Tall Ferns.
This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the growth of women’s basketball in New Zealand. I’m eager to work with such a talented group of athletes who are passionate about the game and committed to excellence. Additionally, I look forward to collaborating closely with the management team and support staff to ensure we create an environment that fosters development, unity, and success.
My focus will be on supporting the players, building on the team’s legacy, and driving the Tall Ferns toward new achievements in the upcoming qualifying period and beyond.”
Joining Nat Hurst as her assistants on the coaching staff will be Mel Bennett and Kerryn Mitchell.
A long-standing wāhine toa in New Zealand basketball, Mel Bennett has dedicated her career to growing the game in Aotearoa.
She served as the Head Coach of the Tauranga Whai during the first two seasons of Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa before making the move south to assist Tania Tupu at the Tokomanawa Queens in 2024.
Bennett was also Head Coach of the Junior Tall Ferns from 2021-2024 and was recently named Auckland Basketball’s Community Officer, reflecting her deep commitment to basketball development both on and off the court.
Kerryn Mitchell also joins the 2degrees Tall Ferns coaching roster with valuable experience in NBL1 and international basketball.
Most recently she was Head Coach of the Sandringham Sabres and has previously served as an Assistant Coach with the Southside Flyers.
Mitchell also contributed to the Tall Ferns program as an Assistant Coach during the FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in Mexico in 2023.
Together, this coaching trio combines a unique blend of international pedigree, domestic expertise, and a shared vision for fostering excellence both on and off the court.
Their diverse backgrounds and leadership styles reflect a commitment to not just achieving results but also nurturing the growth of players and the game itself in Aotearoa.
Basketball New Zealand is confident that this coaching team will provide the strategic leadership and inspiration needed to propel the 2degrees Tall Ferns to future success.
Nat and the team’s first big opportunity as a new coaching staff will be the three-game Trans-Tasman Throwdown test series against Australian Opals which opens in Adelaide on May 7th, including a stop in the Sunshine Coast on May 9th, before the series comes to a close in Hamilton on May 11th.
Tickets to the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series HERE.
