- By Henry Lee, AUT Journalism Student
It hasn’t taken recently-retired Auckland Hearts cricketer Amberly Parr long to find a new role in the sport.
She’s been appointed Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club’s (HPCC) premier women’s head coach for 2024.
Parr has recently retired from New Zealand Women’s Domestic Cricket after playing several seasons at the Auckland Hearts.
She represented Auckland eight times from 2021 to 2023 and says playing for the Hearts has always been an enjoyable experience.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Hearts set up for the last couple of years, but I think it’s best I step away and explore other avenues that I am excited to get behind, like coaching!”
This year is the start of a new chapter in her cricketing journey and she’s pleased to be given the opportunity.
“I’m excited to take a team through a winter academy program and then a season from start to finish as it will be an awesome experience.”
Parr is no stranger to HPCC and the club’s home ground at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.
“I’ve played at HPCC since I was a little kid, and received my 100 games cap for the Premier Women’s side a couple of seasons ago.
“It’s a natural transition as I’ve been involved in captaining and taking on some of the game-day coaching responsibilities as we haven’t had a permanent appointed coach for a while aside from Francis who is busy with his club manager role.
“We have an awesome group of girls at the club with many representing on the Domestic and International levels as well as a younger group coming through that are very talented and will be the next generation of representatives I am sure.”
Parr believes the Hearts experience will help her become a better coach.
“I’ve really enjoyed Rob Nicol’s coaching style as he’s very open and easy to talk to so it’s been a great chance to peek behind the curtain of the coaching.
“I’ve also been fortunate enough to have a variety of coaches and a wide range of different drills.
“I have done quite a bit of coaching throughout my years of playing at the club and for districts.
“I’ve always enjoyed being able to support others and help develop the next generations coming through.”
HPCC has gained recognition for its role in producing top-tier women’s cricket talent.
Notably, recent players like Brooke Halliday and Molly Penfold have been selected to represent New Zealand with the White Ferns, alongside numerous others who have excelled within the Auckland Hearts and various regional age-group programs.
The club’s support led by Auckland Cricket’s administrator of the year Francis Scordino has bolstered the development of female cricket players at the club.
Parr considers HPCC “the best club to be at if you are a female playing cricket in Auckland” and reiterates the support given by the club.
“The support we get from our club manager is amazing as well as the club itself.
“There’s an impressive number of junior girls coming through, and the amount of thought and effort that goes into the female space across all grades makes it a club ahead of many and a privilege to be a part of.”
