Delve into Don’s remarkable journey from ‘parent coach’ to high performance sports coach where his focus has always been on creating an environment that nurtures a love of sport.

Don is a multi-world champion NZ Black Sox (softball) player and coach. A recipient of the Halberg Coach of the Year, he was also awarded an 

Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Following his softball coaching career, Don was appointed to lead high performance coaching at SPARC.

Following a review of the 2007 RWC, Don was appointed High Performance Manager for NZ Rugby, where he oversaw the successful 2011 and 2015 RWC campaigns.

He is now the Director of Player Health and Performance at the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball Club.

Don Tricker

Coaching Workbook

Don Tricker, a former multi-world champion NZ Black Sox player and coach, takes centre stage.

In 2000, Don earned the prestigious title of “Coach Of The Year” at the Halberg Awards. Additionally, he was honoured with an ONZM in the 2004 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding contributions to softball.

Renowned as “the All Blacks secret weapon” by Steve Hansen, Don played a pivotal role in the successful 2011 & 2015 Rugby World Cup Campaigns.

Today, as the Director of Player Health and Performance at the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball Club, Don stands as an unsung hero of New Zealand sport.

Delve into Don’s remarkable journey from ‘parent coach’ to high performance sports coach.

The business of bringing joy

Let them choose their sports 

Create a great environment

Coaching youth sport

Getting parents on board

Where parents get it wrong

Building resilience

Instilling core values

Understand the athlete

The Coaches Coach

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