Former Black Africa and national netball star Annie Kalomo has paid tribute to her former coach Carol Garoes, describing her as a people’s person, a strict disciplinarian, and a caring coach who treated her players like her own daughters. Kalomo, who took over as Black Africa coach in 1997, holds Garoes in high regard, saying she was a wonderful person and coach who emphasized fitness and discipline. Under Garoes' leadership, Black Africa became one of the fittest netball teams in the league.
Garoes' coaching style was characterized by her strict training regimes and emphasis on discipline, which earned her the respect of her players. Kalomo says she applied Garoes' rigorous training regime and strict discipline in her own coaching, which helped her build a strong bond with her players. Garoes' love for her players was evident in the way she protected them and encouraged them to perform their best. Her players affectionately referred to her as "Auntie Carol."
Helen Oliphant, who played under Garoes at Black Africa and was a member of Namibia's 1995 World Cup team, also paid tribute to her former mentor. Oliphant says Garoes taught her that the game is not won in the first half and that she should never give up and always give her all until the final whistle. Garoes' coaching style had a lasting impact on Oliphant, who went on to become a coach herself.
Garoes is widely credited with revolutionizing netball in Namibia into its current form. Apart from coaching Black Africa to two consecutive Khomas Netball League titles, she also coached the Namibian netball team at the World Cup in England. Her clashes with the Namibia Sports Commission over a lack of funding are well-documented, but Garoes remained committed to her vision for Namibian netball.
After quitting coaching, Garoes became president of the All Namibia Netball Association (ANNA), now known as Netball Namibia. During her tenure, she introduced netball for men in Namibia and clashed with the Namibia Sports Commission over funding. Despite the challenges, Garoes remained a champion for women's sports and went on to become president of the Namibia Women in Sport Association (Nawisa).
Garoes' contributions to Namibian sports have been recognized and celebrated by her peers and former players. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of netball players and coaches. As a testament to her impact, Garoes' former players and colleagues continue to share stories of her influence on their lives and careers.
Today, Garoes remains actively involved in planning and organizing sporting matters in Namibia. Her dedication to promoting women's sports and empowering women through sports has left a lasting impact on the country's sporting landscape. Her story serves as an inspiration to women and girls who aspire to make a difference in sports and beyond.
Key points
- Carol Garoes was a pioneering coach who revolutionized netball in Namibia.
- She was known for her strict training regimes and emphasis on discipline.
- Garoes' legacy continues to inspire a new generation of netball players and coaches.
