Splice Construction Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic midcourter Asher Grapes will miss the upcoming ANZ Premiership season after suffering a serious knee injury.
The 19-year-old ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee just prior to Christmas and has since had successful surgery.
Magic head coach Amigene Metcalfe said it was hugely disappointing for Asher ahead of what promised to be an exciting season.
“This is devastating news for Asher and we were looking forward to seeing her put on the Magic dress and showing what she can do this season,” she said.
“Asher is a tough and determined player and we will be there the whole way to help with her rehabilitation to get back out on court.”
Grapes, who hails from Hawke’s Bay, was a Hamilton U19 representative in 2019 while also being chosen as a Pathway to Podium athlete.
She had returned to the Waikato for the 2021 season after two campaigns with the Northern Mystics where she was a training partner before being elevated to a fulltime contracted member in 2020.
A versatile player capable of playing goal attack, wing attack and centre, Grapes was used mainly in a shooting role for the Mystics but was set to ply her trade in the midcourt with the Magic.
The Magic will announce a replacement for Grapes in due course.
