Birmingham Panthers head coach Jo Trip is to leave the club at the end of the Netball Super League season.
The 34-year-old Kiwi was NSL coach of the year in 2023 and 2024 but has “decided to explore new opportunities”.
There are three rounds left in the NSL season but Panthers have already been ruled out of play-off contention.
“As the club continues to grow and we make plans for the future, this decision follows the natural conversations that happen at the end of a season,” read a club statement.
“Jo has decided to explore new opportunities and will leave with our huge gratitude and respect. Her drive and leadership have been felt by all involved with the club.”
This is Birmingham’s first season, having been formed from the ashes of Severn Stars – where Trip was player-coach in the past two seasons, leading them to a top-four finish in 2024.
She has focused on coaching this year, with Panthers winning three and losing eight of their 11 games in an injury-hit campaign.
Captain Gabby Marshall was forced to retire after suffering two concussions in a month, and last week they lost star shooter Sigi Burger to a season-ending medial collateral ligament injury.
Panthers’ exec-chair Alison Kay said: “Her energy and commitment have left a lasting impact on all who worked with her. We wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey.”
Trip added: “Being part of the Panthers’ journey as the club’s first-ever head coach has been a privilege. With two home games remaining, we’re focused and determined to finish this campaign strong and do you [the fans] proud.”
