Helene Wilson is stepping down from her position as head coach of Northern Mystics to take up a role with High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).
Wilson will part ways with the defending ANZ Premiership champions at the end of the 2022 season to become the manager of women in high performance sport, starting in July.
Created in 2019, the programme was established to address the under-representation of women in leadership and coaching.
Wilson experienced success at national and international age-group level as a coach, before becoming an assistant with the Mystics. In 2016, she was promoted to head coach, with her tenure in charge highlighted by leading the team to last year's ANZ Premiership title with a win over Mainland Tactix.
Wilson said she's loved her time with the Mystics but is looking forward to the opportunities her new role presents.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Mystics and I love working with the players, and watching them grow and develop," said Wilson. "However, the opportunity at High Performance Sport is exciting and one I know I feel just as passionately about.
"The chance to help develop and grow opportunities for women in high performance sport is obviously something very close to my heart."
HPSNZ director Steve Tew insisted Wilson's experience made her the ideal candidate for the role.
"Helene has been there, done that - working and coaching in high performance sport for more than a decade," Tew said.
"She is perfectly placed to relate to the issues facing talented women striving to gain experience and respect in coaching and leadership roles within our system and drive solutions through the women in high performance programme.
"She will be a tremendous asset to HPSNZ and the wider high performance system, and we look forward to welcoming her."
