In her exclusive blog, Birmingham Panthers head coach Jo Trip provides insights as the season progresses. In this post she discusses how she has sought to instil a winning culture from day one at the Panthers.

Culture is a huge piece of the puzzle for me, but it’s not something I like to over-talk. I believe culture comes to life when you lead by example, set high standards, and maintain clear expectations. This creates a sense of accountability where everyone contributes their best to the team. While the coaching staff can steer the ship, the players’ buy-in is what truly defines the culture— as it’s their team, after all.

Building a culture from scratch for a brand-new franchise? That’s the kind of challenge I love.

For me, getting to know the players as people is just as important as evaluating their skills. At this level, every netballer is a phenomenal athlete—I already know they can play, and I know I can coach them. What I’m really interested in is how their personality fits into the group dynamic. That’s why I do pretty thorough interviews before signing a player. These chats, which last about an hour, aren’t just for me to assess them—they also give players the chance to get a feel for how I work and what I’m about.

I’m lucky to already have strong relationships with many of our players, having coached or played alongside them in the past. Over the last two years as a player-coach, I’ve learned so much about team culture—what works, what doesn’t, and how to foster something that truly clicks.

This season, I have a great core of players who know me well and understand my expectations. On the flip side, we’ve got some fantastic new faces who are eager to learn, adapt, and thrive within the culture we’re building. It’s going to be fascinating to watch how players who’ve been in the league—or even other leagues—step into this environment and take their game to the next level.

One thing I love is spotting potential that hasn’t fully been tapped yet. When I see a player who hasn’t quite been able to show their best, I think, “Yes, I can help bring that out.” That’s the exciting part of coaching for me—unlocking what’s inside and helping them grow.

Of course, setting the standard is crucial, and that sometimes means having tough conversations. Do I enjoy those chats? Not particularly. But they’re necessary, especially at the start, to get everyone aligned. That said, fun is non-negotiable. I’m at my best when I’m enjoying myself, and I think most people are the same. Creating an environment where we work hard but also have fun is all about balance, and it’s something I prioritise.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of honesty and vulnerability. Mistakes happen—I make them, players make them, and that’s perfectly fine. Acknowledging that and creating a space where people feel safe to take risks and grow is key to long-term success.

And make no mistake, we are ambitious. This might be a new team, but I’m not new, and neither are most of these players. We’re aiming high this season, and I know other teams are curious to see how we perform.

What’s really exciting is how connected this group already feels. The players genuinely get along like a house on fire, and the camaraderie has come together quickly. That bond, combined with their competitive edge, gives us a strong foundation to push forward. I think we’ll have a bit between our teeth this season.

And that’s exactly the culture I want!