McKinnis to step down as coach at end of season

The former Australian Diamonds star guided the Vixens to national league titles in 2014 and 2020, minor premierships in 2017, 2020 and 2022, as well as to Super Netball grand final appearances in 2022 and 2024.  

McKinnis revealed her decision on court today in front of players and Vixens fans, immediately after the home game at John Cain Arena against Sunshine Coast Lightning, her 201^st match as a national league head coach.   

Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman paid tribute to McKinnis for the tremendous contribution she has made to the Vixens, the growth of the national competition and to netball more widely, including as a former Diamond.   

“Simone is respected and greatly admired by everyone involved with the Vixens, particularly the players, and will forever be a part of the Vixens family.

“While Simone’s focus for now is on lifting the team into another finals series and achieving more success, we will ensure that over the coming months we fittingly celebrate all she has achieved across the past 13 years,” Pearman said.  

McKinnis said while her passion for coaching and netball remained, after 13 years in the head role and with her current contract expiring at the end of the season, now was the right time to hand over the reins.

“It has been my privilege to work with so many tremendously talented athletes in my time as head coach, including among the current playing group, and share so much success with them.

“My commitment and focus remains on guiding the Vixens through the rest of the 2025 season and into finals,” McKinnis said.  

The mid-season announcement will enable Netball Victoria to undertake a thorough and comprehensive search for the next Vixens coach, well ahead of the 2026 season.