Connie Francis appointed as Birmingham Panthers Director of Netball

Birmingham Panthers are delighted to announce the appointment of Connie Francis as Director of Netball.

Bringing with her a wealth of experience and an impressive track record in international netball, Francis is set to lead the Panthers’ performance strategy alongside Head Coach, Jo Trip. Together, Trip and Francis will create a dynamic leadership team, combining their unique skills and perspectives to maximise the team’s potential and position the Panthers to compete at the top of the Netball Super League (NSL).

As a former Head Coach of the Jamaican Netball Team, Francis led the squad to several historic achievements, including a silver medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and bronze medals at the 2007 and 2023 Netball World Cup. Her tenure in netball, both as an elite player and a seasoned coach, spans nearly two decades, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence and tactical innovation in the sport.

Francis’s and Trip’s collaborative approach will not only enhance technical development on the court it will also establish a unified team culture grounded in resilience, teamwork, and respect. This partnership is aimed at setting new standards for competitive achievement and athletic growth, aligning with the Panthers’ mission to become a formidable force in the NSL and to truly represent the passion and diversity of Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Off the court, Francis will play a vital ambassadorial role in the community, helping to raise netball’s visibility across the region. Her involvement is expected to inspire a new generation of fans, especially by connecting with local schools and underserved communities. This will align with one of the Panthers main goals: creating pathways for young players to progress through the ranks, from grassroots development right through to elite competition. By strengthening these links, the Panthers aims to nurture and develop talent across all levels of the sport.

With Connie Francis and Jo Trip leading the way, Birmingham Panthers are not only enhancing their technical capabilities but also reinforcing their commitment to community impact, inclusivity, and long-term growth. This leadership duo embodies a vision of sporting excellence and community engagement that will help build a legacy shaping the future of netball across the region.

Speaking about her appointment as Director of Netball, Connie Francis said: “I am thrilled to be here in England and to join the Birmingham Panthers franchise at such an exciting moment in the league’s development. I look forward to embracing the challenges of this role and to collaborating closely with the athletes, stakeholders, and everyone involved.”

Head Coach Jo Trip also shared her excitement about the announcement: Connie’s appointment: “I am thrilled to welcome Connie to Birmingham Panthers. She has experience at every level of the game and understands the importance of supporting athletes from the very start of their journey right through to the top of their sport. Connie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team and with Connie on board, we look forward to an exciting season filled with growth, development, and success for our athletes.”