Darley coach Di McCormack has made the call to step back from the Ballarat Netball League club.
The Devils announced on Friday that McCormack had made the decision to step away after five years at the club.
“After an incredible five years, Di has decided that it is time to step away to spend more quality time with her family,” the club said on social media.
“We are so eternally grateful for all the work she has put into the club over the last several years and the evident progress we have achieved under her leadership.
“Multiple finals appearances, grand finals and BFNL league awards are only a few of the accolades we were lucky to have under Di’s guidance.
“Although we are so sad to see her go, we are thankful for the last seven years and wish her well for her much deserved time with family.”
McCormack joined the Devils after having coached Rupertswood to a premiership in the Riddell District Netball League in 2019.
With her came across a number of players who have been the core of the A-grade side in recent years.
The club’s A-grade side has played in three straight grand finals, having never made an A-grade grand final before in the Ballarat league.
The club’s under-19s also made three straight grand finals, winning the last two with many of those players progressing through the ranks.
All the A-grade squad has signed on for this year.
On the Devils post, McCormack said she was a little heartbroken having made the decision.
“Leaving Darley has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,”she said. “I will always be a Devil at heart.
“My years at Darley have been the most rewarding and cherished of my entire netball coaching journey, and I am filled with so much love and gratitude for everything this club has given me.
“I am incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved together as a club over the past five years. It wasn’t just me who built such a fantastic netball program. It was the incredible group of girls who trusted me as their coach, the support of an amazing committee who always had my back, and the collective efforts of so many.”
“I will miss Darley more than words can express. You are an incredible, talented, and sensational group, and it has been an honor to coach you.”
The Devils haven’t announced McCormack’s replacement.
