General Manager

Denise Coughlan

Denise joined the team officially in June 2022 but has been involved in basketball in Nelson for over 40 years as a player, coach, referee, manager, committee member and adminsitrator.  Denise's experience in all these aspects of our sport gives her a good understanding across a broad area.

Her professional background is in Accounting where she spent over 20 years working with small to medium business owners throughout many industries.

Operations Manager

Sam Berkett

Sam is the newest member of the Nelson Basketball staff, taking up the position as Operations Manager in February 2024.  Sam attended Golden Bay High School in his junior years, before attending Nelson College for his senior college years.  He attended Unversity of Canterbury where he earned a Batchelor in Sports Coaching.

Sam has been an active member of our U13 Junior coaching crew as well as a Nayland College Junior coach since 2020.

Female and Referee Development Officer

Brooke Lal

Some of you may remember Brooke from a few years ago when she was working for us as the Operations Officer.  Brooke spent two seasons in that position before heading off to have a family.  Five years and three children later we are pleased to have her back to help support and develop our referees and female participation.  This is a reasonably new position for us at Nelson Basketball but one that has made a huge difference to our referees as well as female development and participation.  This is still a trial role due to funding restraints but this has not held her back in her efforts and enthusiasm.  Brooke has been with us since July 2023.

Brooke's experience and understanding of the needs of our referees and female members has been a real asset to the position.