Force of Jody
Basketball coach. Leader. Fierce force.
She’s known for her fierce presence on the court - and now channels that energy into coaching the Northern Kāhu women’s basketball team. Her story is about showing up, staying strategic, and empowering young wāhine to own their strength.
What are some words others would use to describe you?
Well, I’m nearly 50 and people still describe me as very scary! I was pretty fierce on court. Kindness is always coming up. My children would describe me as being very bossy! Colleagues say calculated. Strategic.
What lights you up?
I love it when I see young women achieve a skill. I love seeing young women feel empowered, happy, able to articulate themselves, feel confident.
What does being a Force of Nature mean to you?
The word force means to be unstoppable, and own who I am. Playing basketball you have to be fierce if you want to achieve at a high level.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
As an athlete, it’s probably attending the Athens Olympics. I had that dream at eight years old — I saw the LA Olympics and I wanted to go where those lights were.
How did you make the switch to coaching?
It’s not an easy journey. You have to go at it like a dog to a bone if you want to be good at something, especially coaching. The transition was tough. But now I think it’s one of the best things I ever could have chosen.
What does being a female leader in a male-dominated sport mean to you?
I don’t really think about it until it comes up, and then I go from 0 to 100 inside and realise there’s so much work to be done for the narrative to change. I just hope to be a good role model for the next person coming behind me.
Can you tell us why the Northern Kāhu basketball team is so special?
The Kāhu is owned by five very strong, highly driven, overachieving women. Women across the board can see themselves somewhere in Kāhu at all different levels. We want to leave a legacy, we want to create for the future.
How do you use the game to empower young women beyond basketball?
Starts with communication — having conversations around who they are, what they want to be outside of the game itself. The game is just the vehicle. For me, it’s about treating each as an individual first, and then bringing them into the team.
If you had to give a halftime speech to the world’s women, what would you say?
Just believe in yourself whatever you’re thinking. Whatever that first thought is, is actually correct. You are right. You’re absolutely right. And you don’t need to ask anybody for permission.
When do you most feel like a force?
When I’m quite aligned with myself in being happy. Then I’m unstoppable.
What makes you feel comfortable in your skin?
Knowing that I have prepared well for something. Looking good helps me feel confident — then I’m comfortable and able to represent myself in a better way.
What does your skincare ritual look like?
I’m very low maintenance on the skin routines, but I do use the Trilogy rosehip oil. I just want a big bottle in a spray can so I can put it everywhere. I love it.
What do you love most about coaching?
Just seeing the happiness, the excitement, the peace of mind after all the hard work. I love that you look around and can see everybody doing what they love.
What does success feel like to you?
When you are happy. When there’s a lot of peace of mind, and your heart is full.
Can you name any other female forces of nature in your life?
My sisters. My colleagues. The owners of the Kāhu basketball team. But my mum is THE force. Her expectations were high, but not at the expense of us — more so empowering us to just always go and get it.
