After netting back-to-back ANZ Premiership titles, rangy defender Carys Stythe will bring her defensive prowess to the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in 2025.
A towering 1.92 metres tall with a reputation for hunting the ball, the athletic Stythe has proved a force to be reckoned with since bursting into the elite netball scene with the MG Mystics in 2022. Featuring strongly in the overall ANZP defence statistics for the season, her striking form was rewarded with a place in this week’s Silver Ferns trials.
She will venture south to hunt for a title trifecta and explained the decision was motivated by seeking both personal and professional growth as she steps outside her comfort zone.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Steel for 2025. I love learning new things and growing as a person and player, The move to the Steel will come with lots of new learnings and experiences which I’m really looking forward to,” Stythe said.
“I’ve always been a family girl, living in Auckland my whole life. I’m very grateful for everything Mystics have done for me – teaching me, developing me and it’s pretty cool going back-to-back champions in my second and third year of ANZ Premiership netball.
“I wanted to challenge myself and try something new living away from home and I can’t get much further from home then the bottom of the South Island! Since I’m young this is the perfect time to do this and I think it will not only help me grow as a player but as a person.”
An imposing threat for opposition shooters, Stythe was eager to see the Steel’s fortunes improve.
“I’m really determined to do my part in helping Steel get those wins. I think it’s always good to have some change and I’m super keen to see what this Steel team can do,” she said.
“I’m aiming to bring my open mind and willingness to learn, also my energy and competitiveness.
“My personal goal for the 2025 season is to keep growing in both defensive positions. I know I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn and I’m really excited as to what I can learn from the coaches and players on and off the court.
The chance to link up with new head coach Wendy Frew was a drawcard.
“I’m always willing and excited to learn more and I’ve heard so many great things about Wendy. We’ve had a couple chats and I love what she’s going to bring to this Steel side and I’m looking forward to working with her and the coaching staff,” Stythe said.
Playing in a rowdy Steel fortress was a thrilling prospect.
“I’m super duper excited to have the crowd behind me down there. It always helps lift me in games so I can’t wait to be spurred on by that famous Steel crowd.”
For Frew, it was “another fantastic addition” to Steel’s line-up.
“I really enjoyed connecting with Carys during the recruitment process and know she will inject an exciting form of defence into our game plan,” she said.
“The pieces of the puzzle are all coming together now and there’s an incredible amount of talent in our ranks for next season. I’m just so pumped to work with this group of athletes and see what we can all achieve together.”
The confirmed 2025 Steel roster also features midcourters Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai’inaea and Serina Daunakamakama and shooters Georgia Heffernan, Aliyah Dunn and Summer Temu.