Getting to Know You

Director of Sport

Darlene Karena

sports@wdsg.school.nz

Over the last couple of years, I've discovered that my passion is working with students. My role allows me to blend my love for sports with the joy of mentoring young athletes. I guide our sports team, collaborate with students, and encourage participation in various sports. The sports I coordinate include Badminton, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cycling, Netball, Rowing, Sevens, Squash, Touch, and Tennis. My goal is to inspire our students to engage in sports, find enjoyment in their participation, and encourage them to return each year. Seeing students thrive and develop, I am dedicated to creating a positive and motivating environment for them to excel both on and off the field.  

Katie Blunsdon

Sports Coordinator

For me, being a Dio Old Girl, coming back to work in a school, and, in particular, the sports department that gave me so much opportunity, is something I count myself lucky for. Our primary goal in the Sports Department is to provide a safe and uplifting space that allows our students to experience sports in a positive and nurturing environment and become the best sportswomen they can be.

Almost a year into the role, I have been provided with numerous opportunities to foster nurturing and supportive relationships with our girls involved in sport at our kura, whether it be organising trials for the various codes I look after, going away on trips and tournaments with our sports teams, or just being out and about watching our athletes strive for success. These attributes are what drives my passion for secondary school sports. I honestly can say I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Sport fills my cup, so I want to bring this journey to life and allow our young women the same opportunities.

Anna White

Sports Coordinator

As a Sports Coordinator, I am responsible for Equestrian, Football, Futsal, Inline Hockey, Sport Climbing, Swimming, and Water Polo, and I co-coordinate Basketball.

I have a background in teaching (Bachelor of Education from the University of Waikato) and broad experience in various sports within the secondary school space. My experiences and education shape my approach.

Encouraging a healthy relationship with sport and physical movement, supporting students to be the best they can be (whatever that may be), and helping break down any walls that may deter their success motivates me in my role. I love the way that many skills learnt in sports can be translated into many other areas of life, and students can take this with them when they leave school.

It is an absolute privilege working with this incredible age group, and every day is different here in the Sports Department!

Ako ako - to teach and to learn.