The legend of Laura Longsocks
Irene van Dyk and Laura Langman demanded excellence from each other on court, often leading to brutal honesty between the pair.
Langman is set to surpass close friend and retired shooting great van Dyk’s record for most games for the Silver Ferns in the Constellation Cup series against Australia.
In next Sunday’s opening test in Brisbane, Langman will level van Dyk’s mark of 145 tests. The Ferns captain is poised to overtake van Dyk in the second game in Townsville on October 10.
The duo were in the Ferns gameday squad for 100 tests together, 93 where they both got on court for caps.
They were key cogs in one of the strongest eras in Silver Ferns history, beating Australia in gold medal matches at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Midcourter Langman and van Dyk’s connection in the attacking end was crucial to the Ferns’ dominance and they didn’t shirk from holding each other to account.
‘‘I distinctly remember there was once where I thought I was available and she was on the circle edge, but she didn’t get me the ball, van Dyk told Stuff.
‘‘I said to her, ‘Why can’t you just give me the ball, don’t hang onto it’. She looked at me and said, ‘You’re not available’. I was like, ‘What do you mean I’m not available’.
‘‘She obviously saw the defender behind me and I didn’t. She was like, ‘If you know where she is, you could be available for the ball’.’’
Langman was an extension of the coach on court with her knack of being several steps ahead of the opposition and inspiring teammates to be the best version of themselves.
Her hawk-like vision and pinpoint feeding made van Dyk’s job smoother. She freely admits Langman was pivotal to her success as a goal shoot.
‘‘I think if there’s one person I wouldn’t mind breaking my record it would be Laura.
‘‘Laura and I had a magic combination. Laura and I actually had the ability to push one another to the limits.’’
Van Dyk played in Langman’s debut for the Ferns in 2005 against England at the North Shore Events Centre, a match they won 52-30.
She was also there for her provincial debut with the Waikato Bay-of Plenty Magic in 2003 in Langman’s last year of secondary school at Hamilton’s Hillcrest High.
Langman, who even then wore her trademark long white socks, turned heads at Magic training, along with future Ferns captain and centurion Casey Kopua (nee Williams).
‘‘From day one that was ‘Laura Longsocks’. I don’t think anyone gave her any grief about her socks,’’ van Dyk said.
‘‘She was this schoolkid that would just go forever. I was like, ‘Do you ever stop?’.
‘‘She would never give up and compete for every ball. She was quiet as anything, but she was physically just going for everything, even if she wasn’t going to get it.’’
Langman and van Dyk’s triumphs weren’t limited to the Ferns.
They were part of the Magic’s 2012 trans-Tasman grand final win over the Melbourne Vixens, the only Kiwi side to lift the trophy in the nine-year history of the competition. In 2005 and 2006, they were cornerstones of the Magic side that went back-to-back in the former New Zealand domestic league. Since retiring from netball, van Dyk and Langman’s tight bond remains.
They speak on the phone at least once a week, mostly not even about netball, and van Dyk attended Langman’s wedding in 2014.
While her netball achievements speak for themselves, van Dyk said Langman’s humility and integrity as a person were just as meaningful.
‘‘She is the most loyal, funny, compassionate friend you will ever get. If you are in trouble, she’d probably be the first person I’d ring. I’ve been in the lucky position that we’ve stayed in close contact. I’d like to think we share things that no-one else in New Zealand would know of.’’
Van Dyk doesn’t just admire what Langman has done on the court. It’s easy to forget she combines netball with fulltime employment at BCD Group Limited in Hamilton, where she is an accountant.
During her time out from the sport, the 32-year-old completed several triathlons, the Breca Swimrun event, and enjoys CrossFit, snowboarding, and rock climbing. Langman also runs Netfit clinics around the country and plays in the Hamilton club netball competition.
‘‘She is one very dedicated person. If she thinks she is going to do something she will do it come hell or high water.
‘‘Whatever Lauz does, she does with 100 per cent conviction. She doesn’t go into things half-ass.’’
Many feared Langman would never play for New Zealand again after opting to play for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia in 2017, making her ineligible for the Ferns.
She has been granted an exemption from Netball New Zealand to play for the Lightning in 2019, as has veteran shooter Maria Folau, who signed with Adelaide this week. Van Dyk always knew Langman would be back in black, despite her 695-day exile from the national side.
‘‘She had unfinished business. Laura is that kind of person.
‘‘I think she deserves it. She’s been a stalwart of netball in New Zealand and netball all over the world. She is still the best in two positions. She’s the best wing defence and best centre.’’
Kiwi netball followers hope she’ll be able to tick off the one accolade missing from her glittering career next year – a World Cup winner’s medal.