Recognition last thing coach expected

TOP COACH: Tom Porter of Southey's Auto World presents Makoura College netball and volleyball coach Georgina Lologa with the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Wairarapa Times-Age Sports Awards.

Her young athletes know "not to mess with G": But Georgina Lologa's commitment to discipline has helped re-energise Makoura College's sporting environment.

Ms Lologa was awarded Volunteer of the Year at last week's Wairarapa Times-Age Sports Awards for her work with Makoura's netball and volleyball teams.

Overall, Makoura appeared in three categories at the Sports Awards: With sports co-ordinator Sydney Cunningham nominated for Administrator of the Year, and the school for College of the Year.

This is the first Times-Age award for Ms Lologa - who admits being nominated "gave [her] a fright".

"I'm a behind-the-scenes type of person - I don't expect recognition," she said.

"But I was happy to accept the award on behalf of Makoura - we've worked hard to get our young kids playing sport."

Ms Lologa started at Makoura in 2010 as restorative justice co-ordinator - but was allowed to "spread [her] talents" and start coaching netball.

At the time, netball at Makoura was "strong", but the players were in need of "some discipline".

Her first job was with the Senior B girls' team - who were "lippy" and aggressive at first, but began enjoying their game under Ms Lologa's guidance.

"I was worried they'd start fighting in the carpark afterwards," she said.

"Eventually, we got them putting all their frustrations into the game, rather than taking it out on each other.

"They'd look at me and go 'who does she think she is?' - but I got their respect by coming down to their level, and speaking their lingo."

After taking on more netball coaching roles, she helped reinstate the regular Makoura v Wairarapa College volleyball tournaments she'd enjoyed as a WaiCol student.

Under her leadership, volleyball at Makoura grew from one team to nine - with the senior girls' team competing at a secondary schools' championships in Wellington this year.

"They were the only team from outside Wellington city, and it was a good experience for them.

"I thought it was time we brought volleyball back to Makoura - it gets stronger every year."

As a coach, Ms Lologa said she tries to make both sports "fun", but stresses the importance of discipline and dedication.

"I tell my kids if they don't turn up to training, they can't play. They have to put the hard yards in - they can't just waltz in and expect to do well.

"They know not to mess with G."

She also prioritises drilling the basic skills of the sport, giving players the building blocks on which to improve.

"They learn they need time, practice and patience to flourish in sport."

Ms Lologa said her favourite moments are "seeing the kids' faces" after a good game.

"They'll ask me, 'when are we going to have another competition like that?' They get started on sport, and want more, more, more."