When retired, Lena had an unusual habit of calling State League coaches early on Sunday mornings to discuss their team’s performances the evening before. Such was her passion for the game.
Lena Pomeroy was possibly the most gregarious and social woman to have been involved in netball.
When retired, she had an unusual habit of calling State League coaches early on a Sunday morning to discuss their team’s performances the evening before.
Lena was a great character. She loved the game, possessed an energetic and analytical mind, and wanted to help wherever possible. She had a great love of people and an equally strong love of netball.
Red-headed Lena Corby-Pomeroy, later best known as Lena Pomeroy, was a high-profile figure in SA netball as a player, national representative, club coach, State coach and AA badged umpire.
Lena remembered playing “basketball” in 1927, and her first A grade game was in 1934 with Waratahs. In 1937, she joined Ladypeds winning eight consecutive State League premierships – setting a new SA record.
In 1940, she was selected to the State team but the war interrupted interstate tournaments.
In 1946-48, she featured in the team that was joint Australian champions with Victoria, and in 1948 finally stopped Victoria’s 13-year dominance by winning the championship outright.
With an unbridled love of the game and of people, in 1948, Lena was named to the Australian team as vice-captain but did not tour.
In 1951, she was appointed as State coach for 1951-57; 63, 64, 71-74 … and through those 13 years of her leadership, SA won six national titles.
A great competitor, her greatest satisfaction came in 1957 when SA thrashed Victoria 49-8.
Lena was awarded her AA umpires’ badge in 1952 and was made a Life Member of SANA. She was also manager of the SA State team in 1976-77.
