Setbacks spur Ferns veteran’s fightback
Recalled Silver Fern Grace Kara firmly believes character is shaped by adversity and it’s just as well.
Kara, nee Rasmussen, is set to bring up her 50th test in the black dress during Sunday’s Quad Series opener against England in London.
That milestone will taste extra sweet for the veteran wing attack following a challenging past year – in and out of the Silver Ferns squad and axed for October’s 4-0 Constellation Cup crushing against Australia.
The 29-year-old also split messily from the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic after four seasons, with her agent failing to meet a contract deadline the franchise had set.
Kara had been keen to return to the Magic, but they withdrew their offer the morning she had committed to play for them. She subsequently signed with the Northern Stars for 2018, based in her Auckland hometown.
It hasn’t all been unrest.
In November she married longtime partner Mark, and a month later was recalled to the Silver Ferns’ Quad Series squad, keeping her selection hopes alive for April’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
‘‘Not being included in the last couple of series with the Ferns was pretty tough, I must admit, but at the end of the day as long as you learn from your disappointments that’s the main thing,’’ Kara said from London.
‘‘I think I’ve done that. I’ve proven that and I’ve come back and been reselected into the team.’’
Through the challenges of 2017, Kara drew heavily on her Christian faith and the support of her husband and family.
Despite missing the Constellation Cup, Kara remained confident she could fight her way back into the mix and never thought her Silver Ferns career was over.
She met with coach Janine Southby in December during the Silver Ferns’ camp and said there were some honest conversations about where she was at with her game.
Kara said the coaching staff wanted her to be a dominant presence at wing attack and be able to change up her role ,depending on the opposition.
‘‘I think I put my best foot forward in December camp and have reaped the rewards and been able to get re-selected into the team, which is awesome.’’
Kara started her international career as a goal attack in 2010 against Samoa, but was moved to wing attack by former Silver Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu later that year.
At 1.77m, she lacked the height to contend with tall elite defenders and her passing accuracy, vision and composure were seen as tailor-made for the midcourt.
After being unwanted for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, she regained her place and became an established starter, producing some of her best netball at the 2015 World Cup in Sydney.
Even though she didn’t see great court time, being the baby of the team, gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, following double extra time in the final against Australia, was a career highlight.
‘‘I talked to Ria [Maria Folau] a couple of days ago about how far we’ve come. I actually didn’t know [I was approaching 50 tests] until my husband reminded me before I came away.’’
Kara realised the Quad Series could be the final chance to push her claim for a spot in the 12-player Commonwealth Games squad. The Silver Ferns have one last hitout, the Taini Jamison Trophy in March, but with the dropped Gina Crampton waiting in the wings and Pulse youngster Whitney Souness also in the squad, the wing attack starting bib is wide open.
‘‘One thing I’ve learned in my many years of being in the environment is be the best that I can be and that’s all I can put forward really. Making sure I prepare myself the best I can and do everything in my control to put my best foot forward. That’s what I’m going to do for these next couple of test matches.’’