 |
The EIBA is pleased to acknowledge the following Official Partners & Suppliers
|
KUHLER KNOWS WHAT WORKS AS A MANAGER AND WILL DRAW ON EXPERIENCE FOR NEW ROLE |
Having played the game for more than two decades
and represented England indoors and outdoors at both junior and
senior level, the 33-year-old has a wealth experience to bring to
the role. Combined with her clear ideas about what the values a
manager should hold, Lorraine's excitement
to get started is palpable.
"I've always been interested in the management side of the game and enabling and empowering others to fulfil their potential is something I find extremely rewarding," she said. "The experiences players encounter during the U25 stage of their career can be fundamental to whether they decide to walk away from the game or go on to achieve greater things, therefore I feel very passionate about making it an enjoyable, worthwhile experience that people strive to be a part of. "Some of the managers I had at this level had a massive impact on my own career, so I relish the opportunity to positively do this for others." Lorraine says that gaining the trust of players is a vital part of building a cohesive, successful team. "Being honest, open, relatable and ensuring the team know you are always there for them are key parts of this role," she added. "It's important that we as a management team are passionate about the honour that comes with representing your country and wanting to succeed with the shirt on - leading by example and making your team one that everyone wants to be a part of. "Being clear about your aims and goals and creating a culture that supports players to maximise their potential, be receptive of constructive feedback (both players and managers) and be willing to put in the commitment required to deliver the highest level of performance is what I'm looking for." The first task for Lorraine and her selectors Sandy Hazell and Kirsty Hembrow is seeing the talent on display at the trial, then selecting a team for the international series. "The biggest challenge is that there's just so much talent to choose from!" Lorraine said. "Obviously there'll be some difficult decisions to make around selection and managing the new 'subs' rule during the series; this rule is still very new and requires a real shift in thinking from both management teams and players for it to be used successfully. "I am looking forward to spending time getting to know the players and their characters both on and off the green." Thinking back to her own under 25 days, Lorraine says she 'was lucky enough to meet some of my best friends during these times, what can be better than representing your country alongside them!' She recalls: "I remember the first time I played for England I just wanted to go back and do it again and again. I loved every minute of it; the pride when wearing the England shirt and the sense of feeling part of a team made the whole thing feel really special, a key moment in my career. "I had put a lot of time into the game so getting that first bit of recognition was a great moment for me and my family, as I'm sure it is for every player that achieves this accolade. "It's the first time you get to test yourself under the pressure of representing something bigger and also your opportunity to get yourself recognised on the international stage - you want to ensure that the first impression is a good one and people don't look forward to playing you again (in the nicest possible way)! "The atmosphere was like nothing else I'd ever experienced, and one of the few times I felt recognised as a sportswoman - I wanted to bottle it up and take it to county and club level!" Lorraine describes her management style as 'a coach or mentor to the players'. "I want the squad as well as prospective and aspiring players to feel that I am approachable," she added. "I will make my expectations of players very clear, in terms of their commitment levels, play and behaviours. Luckily I have a great management team around me and I think together we will make the team a respected and desirable place to be. This is a really exciting time to be involved and I can't wait to get started." Lorraine's top tips for young players who want to excel: > In terms of technical skills - consistency is really the key to playing bowls at the highest level, the game you produce most often is your standard of play and selectors want to see what you are most likely to produce. I love that you really do get out what you put in indoors. > Put the practice in - and make it purposeful! I always think when you're on the mat you just want to be thinking about what you're trying to do and not the how; the more automatic and consistent your delivery is the easier you will find it to perform, especially under pressure; the situations will be familiar. If you are willing to practice and put the time in you will see your standard improve. > Goes without saying, playing well at national finals, reaching the latter stages and wining national titles are going to get recognition. > It would be nice to see more of a green presence from players, this doesn't necessarily have to be noise related, but demonstrating effective game management and being a good team player. By Sian Honnor Previous interviews: Edna Bessell MBE Martin Puckett |
July 2023
 |
Archives |
Accessibility |
Downloads |
Guidance Notes |
Links |
Photos |
Contact Us |
Privacy Notice
 |