Netball
6 April, 2026
WFNL 2026 preview: Schuker turns time out into positive
The A grade Minyip Murtoa coach might not be able to take to the court herself this season but she's still hoping to lead her side to success.
Expecting her second child in June, Laura Schuker says she hopes to be black, blue and white next season, but this season she's focusing on her first time coaching the club's senior side.
For Schuker, footy and netball were always a couple of sports her family played each winter growing up, and she's always played for Minyip Murtoa, right through from juniors to seniors.
Last year was her first coaching a senior side, which Schuker taking on the role with the B grade team, and it was a task she absolutely loved.
"This is my first year as the A grade coach, yes," she said.
"It’s something I’ve always wanted to have a go at as I think I have a bit to offer to the role.
"I'm very much looking forward to the new challenge."
After spending time as the club's director of netball, as well as Minyip Murtoa's vice-president, it was a natural progression.
It was a challenging year for the Burras last season but Schuker said their side showed great commitment and resilience.
"We are certainly hoping to make some improvements for this year," she said.
"I think we had some good development for some more junior netballers last year which should put us in good standing for future years.
"We can certainly make improvements on last season, though, and hopefully adding some good structures and building on a positive club culture will be our two biggest improvements."
Schuker said the club had welcomed some additions to the club, as well as some players returning from previous years, and added they would offer something a little different to the side.
But regardless of their ladder position at the end of 2026, Schuker said she wanted to make it an enjoyable season.
"I want to help build a great culture off and on court and bring the enjoyment factor to the senior netball group," she said.
"I’m a strong believer that if the enjoyment is there, the on-court results will follow.
"So that will be our focus."