Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has announced the selection of the 2024 New Zealand Secondary Schools (NZSS) Squad.
The squad is made up of 24 of the most promising secondary school netball players from across the country.
The selection process was led by the Emerging Talent Panel and the NZSS coaching team, and it showcases a wealth of young talent.
The players were identified after a year of rigorous observation at key events including the National Development Camps, NNZ U18 Champs, and regional secondary school championships. With talent drawn from all around the country, the squad represents the depth and diversity of New Zealand’s netball community.
The Emerging Talent Panel, comprising Adrienne Morrin, Robin Manihera, Sue Harris, and Debbie Tasi-Cordtz, along with NZSS Coaches Pelesa Semu and Jo Morrison, faced the challenging task of selecting the final squad after a thorough evaluation process.
“We saw exceptional talent throughout the selection process, which made our decisions extremely tough. The calibre of players coming through is very exciting for the future of New Zealand netball,” said NZSS Coach Pelesa Semu.
The selected players will come together for a four-day camp from October 25-28, 2024. This camp will serve as both a development opportunity and a final trial, where the NZSS Team and NZSS A Team will be named. These teams will compete against each other, as well as two invitational teams, offering players the chance to refine their skills in a performance environment.
“The camp is all about creating a space where these athletes can push their limits while learning to work as a cohesive unit. It’s a critical step in their development, both as players and as future representatives of New Zealand netball,” Semu added.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how they gel as a team and rise to the challenge.”
2024 New Zealand Secondary Schools Squad:
Amy Vickers – Central, New Plymouth Girls’ High School
Anika Pihema – Northern, Orewa College
Avah Sila – Northern, Howick College
Charlie Lindsay – Northern, Howick College
Charlotte Coughlan – Mainland, St Margaret’s College
Fo’i Lemana – Central, St Mary’s College, Wellington
Grace Tiko – South, Cromwell College
Graecyn Parahi – Central, Napier Girls’ High School
Isabella Fainga’anuku – Mainland, Christchurch Girls’ High School
Jonni-Rose Chamberlain – Northern, Avondale College
Lata Holi – Northern, St Kentigern College
Lillian Henare-Vaihu – Northern, Avondale College
Lucy Morrison – South, Columba College
Milla Senio – Northern, Marist College
Millie Mackenzie – South, Columba College
Perri Hore – South, St Hilda's Collegiate School
Phoenix Schwalger – Central, St Mary’s College, Wellington
Priscilla Rasmussen – Northern, Avondale College
Tapini Raea – Central, Wellington Girls’ College
Te Arani Vulu – Central, St Mary’s College, Wellington
Teuila Bennis – Central, St Mary’s College, Wellington
Shayla Nepia – Northern, Epsom Girls’ Grammar School
Skylah Tainui-Takerei – Northern, Howick College
Zermahnai Manu – Northern, Howick College
Reserves:
Anika Barham – Central, Napier Girls’ High School
Macy Costello – WBOP, St Peters School, Cambridge
Siahn Nilsen – Mainland, St Margaret’s College
The camp is set to be a key milestone in the development of New Zealand's emerging netball talent, with the ultimate goal of representing their country at the highest secondary school level.