Names evoke responses, they conjure up images. They are our legacies and some are more resistant to the ravages of time and fading memories than others. Utter the name Dorette Badenhorst and the image you’ll see is one of a champion team celebrating, the response will be that of joy.

Dorette was coach of the first netball team of the North-West University (NWU) during a period of unprecedented success, including a maiden Varsity Netball triumph.

Even more impressive is that her team was able to defend their crown the following year, and during her six-year tenure from 2012 until her departure the NWU never finished below third place at the USSA tournament.

She also helped to unearth national netball players including Protea stars Nadia Uys, Elsunet du Plessis, Renske Scholtz, Sigi Burger and Kifiloe Tsotetsi.  

Dorette is now tasked to lead the national netball team to the 2023 World Cup.