Grace Kara will resume her role as captain of the Robinhood Northern Stars in the 2020 ANZ Premiership. Kara will be supported by the Stars leadership group which includes Storm Purvis and Maia Wilson.
Kara was captain in 2018 but took a year out from the game to give birth to her first child. She admits there are some nerves coming back to the court, but she’s looking forward to leading the team.
“I feel there is a bit of pressure there, especially after having baby, but I am well supported by the leadership group and management, I am excited to lead this great team this season,” Kara said.
Head coach Kiri Wills said Kara is the most experienced player in the team and was the natural choice for captain.
“I know she felt pressure in terms of getting back into the rigours of netball and being captain turned that pressure up a notch but Grace is one of the most determined athletes I know. I knew she would do everything she could to get back to her best and by doing so lead by example,” Wills said.
The former Silver Ferns midcourter has worked hard on her conditioning in pre-season and is close to being as fit as ever.
“Motherhood has a way of deepening your perspective and hardening your resolve about who you are and what’s important. Every netball player who has played at this level after having kids has been inspirational, they are amazing women and Grace is one of them,” Wills added.
Wills has leadership covered off in all areas of the court, with the addition of Purvis and Wilson to the leadership group.
The Northern Stars open their 2020 ANZ Premiership campaign against the Northern Mystics at Pulman Arena, Takanini on March 15.
Northern Stars 2020 team
Kate Burley
Jamie Hume
Fa’amu Ioane
Grace Kara
Lisa Mather
Julianna Naoupu
Storm Purvis
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Daystar Swift
Maia Wilson
