Te Koha’s Magic-al court experience
Te Puke netball junior gets to watch and learn from best
TNETBALL
e Puke netballer Te Koha Kete-kawhena, 11, basked in the bright lights of centre court when she met two superstars of netball last week. Te Koha, a Year 7 Te Puke Intermediate School student, won the chance to meet Magic’s Sam Winders and Maia Wilson from the Stars ahead of the ANZ Premiership game at Trustpower Baypark.
Te Koha and her friend, 10-yearold Mikayla Wheeldon, led the teams onto the court as a part of the ANZ Future Captains programme.
Sitting courtside at a live game was a “pinch yourself” moment for Te Koha, who has been playing netball since she was 5 years old.
“You could see the players up close and hear them laughing. I could see the obstructions first-hand and hear the loud whistle. It was way better than watching it on TV,” she said.
Te Koha studied the players closely for tips and techniques.
“I really look up to these players. They did really complicated warmup drills for ball skills and fast feet that I want to try.
“When I high-fived the players they had really strong high-fives, it showed their strength for passes and catches.”
Te Koha, who plays centre, was thrilled to meet her hero and fellow centre court player Sam Winders.
“I like her attitude and how she plays. She gets heaps of intercepts and does these really quick dummy passes. I was cheering for both of the teams but mostly the Magic,” she said.
Te Koha looks forward to her netball games every week.
“My team was so excited to hear I was at the game. One of my teammates was there too and she was shocked to see me on the court.
“I’m looking forward to trying out for a netball competition later this year which is like a mini-olympics. I’m going to try my best and maintain a positive attitude,” said Te Koha.
ANZ head of sponsorship Sue Mcgregor said ANZ is committed to its support of netballers in New Zealand from local Te Puke players right up to the elite athletes in the ANZ Premiership and the Silver Ferns.
“That’s why we’re giving 94 young people from all over Aotearoa the chance to be part of the ANZ Premiership and to meet their netball heroes as an ANZ Future Captain.
“After such a tough year for the netball community in 2020, it’s great we can offer this once in a lifetime opportunity to our country’s youngest netball fans and players. We hope this experience inspires them to remain passionate about their training and to try their very best on the court.”
Applications for the ANZ Future Captains programme are now open at anzcourtside.co.nz