Magic netballer will add spice to Bay comp
Hawke's Bay's Western Bay of Plenty Magpic netball shooter Kelsey McPhee is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to train and play for Hawke's Bay under head coach Irene van Dyk.
"I've always been a fan of Irene. It's awesome she is based in Napier now and I'm super excited to have the chance to get specialist coaching from her. It will be really important and beneficial to me going forward," McPhee said.
"The plan is to come home to the Bay on Friday, play for Otane Friday night and then train with the Hawke's Bay girls over the weekend," McPhee explained.
"A little bit of coaching from Irene each week will be fantastic," McPhee said referring to the former Silver Fern.
The 22-year-old Napier Girls' High School product recently completed her second season with Magic. She was a regular starter this year after securing the role during the second half of last year's ANZ Premiership.
This year McPhee played a total of 558 minutes over 13 matches and finished with a goal percentage of 78.70 with 270 goals from 343 attempts.
"It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride with our sixth placing," McPhee recalled.
She is waiting to hear if she will be contracted with Magic again next year and will jump at the opportunity if it comes. McPhee also started a Bachelor of Business degree, majoring in finance, this year through Massey University and continues to work at the ARB Proform factory.
Originally McPhee had hoped to play for Thirsty Whale Otane Force last week but she had sponsorship commitments with Magic and Friday night's fifth round Super 8 fixture against Tremains All In Elusive will be her first for the side this season. With Northern Mystics players Asher Grapes and Emily Burgess on the All In roster it should be a cracker of a game.
"Looking at the points table [Otane are unbeaten in first place] I don't know if Otane will need me," McPhee said.
With regular top shooter Millie Ironside unavailable McPhee's return is perfectly timed.
Friday night's other 6pm match will see Optimise Physio Outkast Sports take on Hastings Girls High School. In 7.30pm tussles Vet Services Central Sports will take on defending champions Napier Girls' High School and BM Accounting HHSOG Huia will play House of Travel Havelock North Kauri.
