Assistant coach of the New Zealand Silver Ferns, Debbie Fuller, and author Rachel Grunwell – marathon runner and health and wellness coach, both share a love of helping women achieve their goals behind the scenes.

'The joy of coaching is on the floor – doing the grind and the hard work behind the scenes,” says Debbie, of her role.

Both women will speaking at ‘Wonder Women', a free event hosted by Tauranga law firm Lyon O'Neale Arnold, on Tuesday November 12.

The event celebrates women in sport and each woman's impact on their chosen fields. Debbie will talk about her role as an elite level coach and the intense 12-month journey she and the rest of the Silver Ferns faced in the lead up to achieving their World Cup dreams.

'The pressure in the lead-up was immense, not just on the playing group to perform but also as a coach with the weight of the nation's expectations on the coaching team's shoulders.”

As the final whistle blew on the World Cup decider in Liverpool, Debbie's instant reaction was relief.

'Relief that we had done it after 12 months of total focus on winning the World Cup.”

Relief was quickly followed by jubilation, and then pride for her team and for what this achievement meant for New Zealand netball from grassroots to elite level. New Zealand had just been crowned the best in the world.

Rachel Grunwell spent 20 years as a hard-nosed investigative journalist – helping the underdog or holding people in power to account. Now she is a coach who helps people achieve their goals and transform.

Rachel will speak about her journey from investigative journalist to becoming a passionate advocate for science-based health and wellness, which includes completing 24 marathons, helping a string of disabled athletes to conquer the New York Marathon, BMX riding with Olympian Sarah Walker, and writing a book called ‘Balance' which features health and wellness advice from over 30 experts from across the globe.

Rachel Grunwell.

At the event guests will have the opportunity to ask questions they might have about nutrition, health and wellness, and Rachel will share simple tips and tricks that can help anyone to be fitter, healthier and happier.

She inspires everyone to start with a small goal and just to take action.

'Just move your body in a way that resonates with you. You don't have to run a marathon, walking is amazing.”

Wonder Women – Women in Sport is on Tuesday November 12 from 5pm at the Tauranga Yacht Club.

Guests will be treated to nibbles and the chances to hear these two women speak about their fascinating careers in sport and their role in the community.

To register for the event, email wonderwomen@loalaw.nz or head to www.loalaw.nz for more information.

Rachel's book ‘Balance' will be available to purchase at the event and, with each book sold, Lyon O'Neale Arnold will make a donation to the Cambodia Charitable Trust to support education initiatives in Cambodia.

You can follow Lyon O'Neale Arnold on Facebook to be kept up to date with the latest event information.