Sonya Fleming has been appointed chief executive of Netball South Zone Inc (NS) and the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel franchise. 

Fleming replaces Lana Winders, who left the job in November 2022 after almost eight years.

Fleming who has worked as a NS manager in both events and commercial sponsorship for the last 15 years, was named Administrator of the Year at the ILT Southland Sports Awards last year.  

Fleming said it was an honour and privilege to now lead Netball South.

"I am really excited to take on this new challenge and continue to build on netball’s success,” she said.  

“The chief executive role has been my ultimate goal. I have grown professionally in this organisation and the Steel culture has certainly shaped me as a person.” 

“All the experiences I’ve had over the years gives me realistic perspective and I recognise Netball South must keep evolving to be in a strong position to tackle the challenges which face all sports in this modern world – from the financial constraints to competing with other codes in the participation stakes."

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the board and staff, our members, our centres and our family of funders and partners to position Netball South for further growth through a clear strategy.”

NS board chair Dean Johnston said Fleming emerged as the preferred candidate following an intensive recruitment process.

“Recruiting new leadership is not a task we took lightly. We cast the net wide to determine who had the skills, experience and strategic vision to lead Netball South and the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel into the future,” Johnston said.

“During her time with Netball South, Sonya has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our sport across all levels of the game and her passion for its future success impressed during the recruitment phase."

“We are confident Sonya will not only continue to lead Netball South on a positive trajectory, new initiatives implemented will enable us to remain at the forefront of the sporting scene both locally and nationally."

“Together with the Netball South board, I am excited to work with Sonya in a new capacity and see her professional attributes evolve as she embarks on this significant career change. We appreciate the exceptional staff, netball centres and volunteers she has alongside her who will undoubtedly continue to deliver netball to the highest calibre throughout our zone.”