Netball New Zealand’s young nursery of talent faces a big year which has started with the announcement of trialists for the New Zealand Secondary Schools (NZSS) team.
New head coach Pelesa Semu and NNZ confirmed the 24 players who will trial for the team in Auckland from 16-18 April in what she said would be an exciting campaign for secondary school players after having limited opportunities over the last three seasons due to Covid.
“This is largely a new group of players who are taking their first steps into Netball New Zealand’s Player Pathway which is such a positive move after the challenges of the last few years,” she said.
“Looking at the big picture, this year will provide some much-needed international play after such a long absence, but it is also important exposure for these athletes as we build towards the 2025 World Youth Cup.”
Semu, who will be assisted by former Silver Ferns shooter Jo Morrison, said it was an exciting time for the players but also the coaches who would be able to work closely with the cream of the country’s young talent after such a disruptive period.
The NZSS team will travel to Australia from 27 June-3 July where they will be involved in the U19 Australian camp, providing some vital international play.
The three-day trial in Auckland will involve fitness testing, specialist skill sessions along with trial matches and Semu said she was looking forward to working with the players.
“The NZSS team holds a special place in New Zealand netball history and the pinnacle for secondary school players around the country. We can’t wait to see what these athletes will bring to the trials in what will be a good look into the future of our game in New Zealand.”
She said the team selection process would be based on the Emerging Talent Panel (ETP) and NZSS coaches’ observations from the trial.
The 24 trialists were selected from 90 players who attended three National Development Camps around the country in January and underwent a series of specialist skill development sessions, movement competency screening and match play opportunities.
2023 NZ Secondary Schools trialists
NORTHERN
Sophia Lafaiali’i (Saint Kentigern College)
Le’Oxeayn Maiu’u (Avondale College)
Priscilla Rasmussen (Avondale College)
Summer Temu (Mt Albert Grammar School)
Lili Tokaduadua (Howick College)
Jaz Zanders (Westlake Girls’ High School)
WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY
Liza Ball (Hamilton Girls’ High School)
Jess Jennings (Hamilton Girls’ High School)
Anne Kirikiri (St Peter’s Cambridge)
Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau (St Peter’s Cambridge)
CENTRAL
Zoe Elliott (Woodford House)
Zara Feaunati (Scots College)
Caitlin Lafaele (St Mary’s College, Wellington)
Baylee Meroiti (Tawa College)
Tia Pavihi (Queen Margaret College)
Tapini Raea (Wellington Girls’ College)
Sovaia Sabutu (Wairarapa College)
Phoenix Schwalger (St Mary’s College, Wellington)
MAINLAND
Ivy Brown (St Margaret’s College)
Sienna Stowers-Smith (St Andrew’s College)
SOUTH
Praise Hola (Otago Girls’ High School)
Emilie Nicholson (Columba College)
Ella Southby (St Hilda’s Collegiate School)
Grace Tiko (Cromwell College)