Francis-Bayman was Head Coach of the Loughborough Lightning in the Netball Super League between 2019 and 2021, a stint which saw the Lightning secure the 2021 League Final and a semi-final finish in 2019. She was most recently Scotland’s Assistant Coach at the 2023 Netball World Cup and has worked for Netball WA since April 2023 as an Assistant Talent Coach.
As a player, Francis-Bayman represented the England Roses on 84 occasions. She reunites with Fever Head Coach Dan Ryan, after the pair were captain and coach of Manchester Thunder in 2016.
Ryan said Francis-Bayman would bring a defensive focus to the coaching team, and he was excited to reinvigorate their partnership.
“Sara and I have an established relationship from our time together at Manchester Thunder and she is going to be a great asset for our 2024 campaign,” Ryan said.
“To be able to secure as assistant coach with head coaching experience, international playing experience and a defensive mindset is a major coup for the club.
“I know that Sara will have a massive, positive influence on our defensive combinations, and we cannot wait to get on court with the squad come pre-season training in November.”
Francis-Bayman said “I am really excited about the opportunity to join West Coast Fever. I am looking forward to working with Dan, our High-Performance Team and the playing group as we prepare for the 2024 season,” Francis-Bayman said.
“I believe that I’m going to bring a fresh set of eyes as well as a different background and experience which will help to develop our team.
“Given Dan’s expertise at the attacking end, I will be able to complement that with my defensive mindset and I’m confident we will form a really dynamic coaching duo.”
