Eagles Junior Championship coach, Jacqui O’Neill, has made the tough decision to move closer to home and work in a role with the Sandringham Sabres for 2019. Jacqui has been a stalwart of the club and a mentor to many young players that have come through programs, such as the Future Stars, The Eagle’s Academy, Domestic and Championship Teams.

Jacqui has been at Diamond Valley for close to 20 years, progressing through the domestic club competition with the Apollo Rockets, later transitioning into the coaching of our Junior Championship and Youth League programs. Highlights include Head Coaching at three U/14 National Championship’s, including a bronze medal in 2016, a member of the Vic Metro NITP and winning back to back National Championships in 2007 & 2009 with the U/16 Girls. More recently, she has been a member of the 2018 Women’s SEABL coaching staff, in which they made it to the finals in their first season of the competition.

Alan McAughtry, DVBA Director of Coaching, had this to say about her impact on the club.

“It is always bitter sweet when a coach moves, especially good people like Jacqui. However, the travel has been difficult to manage for the past two years. She has been fantastic in her commitment to the club, her teams and the impact she has had especially in our 12’s and 14’s program. I wish her well in her endeavours outside Diamond Valley, she will be missed very much within the Eagles program.”

We got in touch with Jacqui and spoke to her about the experiences and highlights of her time in the DVBA programs.

“I would like to thank the Diamond Valley community for their support and letting me be a part of it. I have enjoyed watching the club and players grow and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I am sad to leave Diamond Valley as it has been my home, but I know that the club will continue to grow and I will be following its progress closely. It is time that I moved closer to my home, work and personal life.

There are just so many people to thank. The Junior and Senior Players, Coaches, Parents, Administration, Game day staff, Junior and the Senior Championship committee. I would also like to give a special thanks to Alan McAughtry, who supported me as a beginner coach. I have learnt a lot from him and appreciate all the time he has invested in me.”

The family at DVBA wish Jacqui the best of luck at Sandringham and hope she continues to make a strong impact in her new role.