News
Three experienced training partners have been added to the ranks of the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel.
Defender Kate Hartley, shooter Jess Allan and midcourter Ivari Christie will join the team from November 28 for pre-season commitments in preparation for the 2023 ANZ Premiership.
The trio are proven performers for the southern franchise having previously earned court time – each impressing head coach Reinga Bloxham.
“Their strength is that they have been in our environment before and understand what we are about, how we train and what to expect. They are all hard workers with a good training ethic,” she said.
“I expect all three will be able to cope with the demands of pre-season and will keep up with the intensity of the trainings. They are here to learn but will no doubt push those contracted players.
“Kate has earned a spot by playing consistent netball throughout the National Netball League season and at both club and representative level for Invercargill Netball Centre. She is a real work horse and is determined to keep growing her skillset and readiness for the ANZP level.
“Ivari is an exciting player who made her debut last season. She never backs down to a challenge and is willing to take on the new experience and opportunities at this level. She has versatility across the midcourt positions and wants to keep building her game.
“Jess returns to Steel after being back home in Christchurch for the past three years. She has been a training partner previously and joined us earlier this year as a replacement player. She is a great trainer and fits in really well.”
Allan said she was excited to return to the Steel environment.
“Everyone is super welcoming and supportive. I love the way they encourage us as training partners to lift the standard of our netball and strive to play alongside them. The girls have so much knowledge to share and I walk away from every training, whether it be on the court or in the gym, truly inspired,” she said.
“I just want to play some good, consistent netball, and keep making positive strives towards improving my game. And obviously, I want to enjoy the game and have fun on the court.”
Hartley felt privileged to be offered the opportunity.
“I enjoy training alongside the team to gain insights into the high performance environment as well as building connections with players I hope to play with in the future,” she said.
“Personally, I would like to build on my game performance and understanding of multiple positions such as WD, C and potentially WA, so I can be more versatile. I also want to enjoy my preseason with Steel as preparation for hopefully a good NNL season.”
Christie was eager to head south and reconnect with the Steel players.
“I’m super excited for the preseason to begin. I’m already a lot more confident going ahead this year because I know what to expect now,” she said.
“I really enjoy the Steel because they’re super supportive and encouraging. They push you hard and there’s always good laughs.
“This season I want to put myself out there – become more dominant and confident in my positions and just compete in the big league while taking opportunities as they come and enjoying the experience as a whole.”
Allan was confident the Steel could deliver in the premiership stakes.
“I think teams will always strive to be the best, and evidently every year the end goal of the campaign is to win. The difference with the Steel is they know how to win championships and they put their money where their mouth is. No team works as hard or is as driven or as tough as the girls down south,” she said.
Christie agreed: “I think going into the 2023 season with majority of the same girls, it’s an opportunity to build on everything. There were some amazing games this year and grit shown to come back from deficits. When the Steel are all on the same wavelength they can be a tough team to compete with,” she said.