The Otago Community Trust is a proud supporter of the Ascot Park Southern Steele Netball team and has heard some exciting news about the line up for the 2012 campaign.
After a one-year hiatus with the Canterbury Tactix, legendary international player Donna Wilkins will return to the Southern Steel next season.
“Playing for the Steel is a good fit for me, the right decision for my family and it enables the boys to stay in their home environment,” Wilkins said.
Already the proud parents of sons Cooper, nearly 3, and Jack, 14 months, the Wilkins’ will welcome their third child in January. Returning to netball’s elite ranks just a couple of months after giving birth was no longer daunting for Wilkins.
“I’ve done it twice now,” she said. “All I can do is my best and try to train as much as possible with a big fat belly until then.”
Judging by her form earlier this year – she even shot her first `perfect game’ with a 100 percent strike rate against the Magic – Wilkins remains one of the world’s best.
The team will also be joined by ANZ Championship rookie Ashleigh Smith, of Gore. Smith, who played for the Tactix in 2010, said securing a Steel contract felt “surreal”.
“When you’re a little kid, you always aspire to play for the region you grew up in and I’m excited to now have the opportunity to do that,” she said.
The two new players present a stark contrast in the experience stakes but a reflection of the franchise’s commitment to creating a team which blends talented youngsters with proficient performers. The pair completes the Steel’s shooting roster for its 2012 campaign, which also features former Silver Fern Jodi Brown and Te Paea Selby-Rickit, who returns for her second season with the franchise.
