Dylan Nexhip is celebrating securing the prestigious Netball Australia Elite Coaching Accreditation.
This recognition, awarded to only the most accomplished coaches in the country, highlights the NSW Swifts Assistant coach’s expertise in the sport, marking an exciting chapter in his coaching career.
“It’s important to continue developing yourself as a coach and I am always looking for ways to grow,” Nexhip said.
Nexhip commenced the accreditation process late last year, which is the fifth level in the national coaching pathway and completed the process recently through a thorough assessment during a match with the Swifts against the Thunderbirds.
This milestone cements his standing as a coach capable of taking on high-level roles, but his focus remains firmly on helping the Swifts achieve success.
As a specialist in defensive strategies, Nexhip has brought a fresh approach to the Swifts' defensive tactics. “We’re reimagining some of the defensive work,” he shared. “That’s my specialist area, and it comes naturally to me, through my experience as a player. We have focused on some quick wins to start the season, while also developing a longer-term game plan that we want to see unfold throughout the year.”
Nexhip’s coaching philosophy extends beyond just improving the players’ physical skills. He is deeply committed to fostering a culture of mutual respect and trust within the team.
“Building relationships with the players off the court has been critical for me,” he explained.
“I want to understand them as people, not just athletes. This mutual respect helps create a harmonious environment, where success can be achieved both on and off the court.”
Nexhip, a decorated national and international defender with the NSW Opens Men’s Team and the Australian Kelpies, was appointed to the Swifts coaching staff in October 2024. He officially began his role in December, where he immediately established a strong working relationship with Head Coach Briony Akle.
“Briony and I have an energetic and authentic relationship, and we really complement each other,” Nexhip said. “We bounce ideas off each other and work hard to evolve those ideas. She’s empowered me to bring a fresh perspective and provided me with the autonomy and platform to challenge our athletes.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, Nexhip shared his thoughts after the penultimate training session before Round 1: “The intensity was high, skill execution was solid, and the vibes were strong. It’s all about fine-tuning now. After 25 weeks of pre-season, we're just a few sleeps away from game day, and the team is in a great position.”
As the opening round approaches, Nexhip is excited to see how the team’s hard work will translate onto the court. “I can’t wait to see what this team can produce in 60 minutes of netball,” he said. “We know that in SSN, with the season so short, every game and every moment is so critical. We’ve prepared well, and we know the Fever have prepared well and have strength all over the court. I can’t wait to see this match-up play out.”
NSW Swifts
