Sharelle McMahon sets sight on new goals

McMahon steps away from the sport after 25 years as a player and coach, leaving an indelible mark on Victorian and Australian netball as a household name and icon in female sport.

McMahon played 169 games with the Melbourne Phoenix, 47 with the Melbourne Vixens and is the second most capped Australian Diamond, having played 118 games. She has been part of the Vixens’ coaching panel since 2014 - in a specialist role from 2014-2018 and as assistant coach with the Vixens and the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) since 2019 - and joined the Origin Australian Diamonds as shooting specialist coach for their Constellation Cup matches in March this year.

Her legacy at the Melbourne Vixens is ingrained, with the club’s best and fairest award being named in her honour – the Sharelle McMahon Medal.

Sharelle spoke of her time in netball, thanking the community for the opportunities the sport has provided.

“I’m so grateful for the incredible opportunities and experiences I’ve had over my time in netball and will forever cherish the memories and relationships I’ve developed,” said McMahon.

“Netball will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am very proud of my role in the promotion of women in sport through netball.

“Growing opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport and the development of female athletes is something I’m very passionate about and I’m really excited to take on this new challenge and continue my work in that space.”

Melbourne Vixens head coach, Simone McKinnis OAM thanked Sharelle for her contribution to the Vixens.

“Sharelle McMahon is one of the most iconic names in female sport, and it’s been an honour to have witnessed her contribution to netball over the last 25 years as a player and in her coaching roles,” said McKinnis.

“She has given everything to this sport, and her passion for developing athletes has been invaluable to the Victorian netball program over many years.

“Sharelle will be missed by the players and staff not only for her guidance on the court, but also the mentor and friend she is away from it. We wish her all the best in her new role, as she continues to contribute to the growth of women’s sport.”

Sharelle will also step away from her specialist coaching role with the Diamonds. She will officially finish with the Vixens and VIS at the end of August.