Minerva Athlete and former professional netballer Sam Poolman has taken her post-court career to new heights with her appointment to the Board of Directors for The Wests Group Australia (Wests Group). Sam has been a Minerva Athlete since 2017 and has recently been matched with her third Minerva Mentor to support her in her new role.
Sam’s appointment will see her providing governance for the Wests Group which owns the Newcastle Knights NRL team and several regional representative teams. West Group’s not-for-profit operation provides entertainment, accommodation, dining and function facilities as well as fitness services across the Newcastle region and has thousands of members across their clubs and sports teams.
Growing up in Newcastle and beginning her elite netball career at the Wests League Netball Club at the age of 12, Sam’s connection to the Wests community makes her the perfect candidate for the position as Director. Her accomplishments as an athlete, including playing for the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Giants Netball and representing Australia, together with her current role as a Fox Sports Expert Commentator and successful business owner of Aspire Netball, are a testament to her drive and commitment to netball as well as her dedication to fostering an environment in which women can pursue careers in sport.
Sam spent five years as a board member of the Australian Netball Players’ Association, and in 2021 was part of the negotiations to ensure Suncorp Super Netball athletes remained the highest-paid female domestic club athletes in Australia. Her experience on the Players’ Association Board provided strong grounding for future career opportunities. By the end of 2022 Sam was approached by the CEO of the Wests Group. “It’s something that I didn’t have in my vision for right now, but having the opportunity to provide more opportunities to our community is something I’m really looking forward to,” Sam said.
A shared vision for what both Sam and the Wests Group wanted to achieve in Newcastle, through the sporting community, contributed greatly to Sam’s decision. In a recent interview, Sam mentioned the aims of the Wests Group heavily align with her passions and what she hopes to contribute to the community, beyond the scope of a player giving back individually. Sam noted that the decision of the board to appoint her as Director marks a positive change in the community as it paves the way for not only more attention on female dominated sports such as netball, but other sports with the potential of establishing elite teams in Newcastle such as basketball. When speaking of her initial aims on the board Sam says, “It’s a two-tiered goal, providing professional opportunities to more sportswomen, while also investing in community sport by making facilities more accessible .”
Sam’s appointment as Director for the Wests Group, also marks another significant family milestone. Sam’s grandfather, grandmother and brother were, and continue to be, life members of clubs within the Wests community. Thus, her appointment brings together not only her knowledge as a player and her experiences throughout her career, but also an inbuilt passion and first-hand perspective derived from a longstanding familial relationship with the Wests Group.
In a first for Minerva’s recently launched Sporting Boards Governance program, Sam has recently been matched with Minerva Mentor Belinda Rowe , a CEO and businesswoman who also currently sits on the Board of the Sydney Swans.
“I am excited and grateful to connect with a mentor who can support and guide me through this new chapter.”
Sam said. “Belinda is an outstanding leader and person with years of experience in CEO and Board positions. I value this opportunity to spend time and learn from her.”
Minerva Mentors Jane Waldburger and Robi Stanton have also previously mentored Sam.
Minerva will continue to support Sam through this next exciting step.
Read more https://mywests.com.au/wests-group/board-of-directors
