By Nick Creely
Dandenong Rangers coach Larissa Anderson has been rewarded for her brilliant second season in charge, being named the WNBL’s Coach of the Month for December.
In what has been a stellar season for the premiership favourites, Anderson has steered her group to greater heights, despite the constant struggle to keep her stars on the park.
But the rise of several other players, such as Amelia Todhunter, has seen Anderson praised for her work with her squad.
She has dealt with the loss of star imports Natalie Novosel and Ally Malott to a raft of different injuries at different times, but throughout a testing season for their overall depth, have been able to win their games home or away.
The WNBL said that Anderson has been a revelation for the Rangers since transitioning from the SEABL competition, and that her best coaching is ahead of her.
“In the face of debilitating injuries, Larissa was able to keep the Rangers in a top four position through December with a 4-2 record,” they said.
“Making the move from SEABL following four championships, Anderson has proven herself as capable at the highest level with victories over Perth at home and SEQ on the road … (complimenting) wins against the Capitals and Boomers.“
And despite Anderson receiving her third gong for this award, she stressed that it’s about the team and not the individual.
“It is always lovely to get an accolade, but it is very much a team game, and I’m proud of how the girls are going – there is a lot of hard work to come obviously,” she said.
After seven years out of the WNBL system and a highly successful coaching career in the SEABL, Anderson returned to the national competition for the 2015/16 season, and has been able to lift the Rangers and produce a plethora of stars.
In her first season in charge, the Rangers finished third overall on the ladder, but fell down fighting to the South East Queensland Stars.
