Epsom College is proud to announce that Mikki Austin will be its new Director of Netball from the start of the 2024/25 academic year.
“I am thrilled to be joining Epsom College as Director of Netball, a role that allows me to combine my passion for the sport with a commitment to empowering young athletes,” Mikki said.
The appointment is the latest high-profile investment in girls’ sport at Epsom, following the appointment of Brett Garrard as Director of Hockey in September 2023.
“I am excited about the opportunity to cultivate a nurturing and competitive environment where our girls can develop their skills, confidence, and teamwork,” Mikki added. “My plans include implementing comprehensive training programmes, increasing access to high-quality coaching, and fostering a culture of sportsmanship, resilience and inclusivity for all.”
Mikki has been director of netball at Surrey Storm since 2018, where she was also head coach and a key part of the playing team. This triple accolade made Mikki the sport’s only director/head coach/player.
While at Surrey Storm, Mikki forged a formidable reputation. In 2023, the team reached the NSL finals for the first time since 2016, with Mikki being the youngest coach to take a team to the netball finals by over a decade.
Mikki made her debut in the Vitality Netball Super League at 16, and has maintained her position at the top of the game for 14 consecutive seasons, representing both Hertfordshire Mavericks and Surrey Storm.
In that time, Mikki has been voted fans’ player of the year three times, and crowned a Vitality Netball Super League champion twice.
Alongside playing, Mikki developed a love for coaching, undertaking various roles across university programmes, school programmes and franchise age group teams. In 2024 she obtained her UKCC Level 3 Coaching Certificate, the highest that can be obtained in the sport.
Mikki said: “I envision taking our netball programme to new heights by not only achieving success on the court but also by ensuring that our players grow as individuals, equipped with the values of Epsom College and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives. Together, we will build a legacy of excellence and empowerment in netball for our girls. It is such a fantastic institution with a rich history, I can’t wait to get started.”
Mikki’s passion, determination to succeed and tactical awareness have not only made inroads on the netball court, but also enabled opportunities as a commentator, reporter and pundit across various sports for giant companies such as Sky Sports and Matchroom.
