De Bruin re-signs with Kia Magic
Press Release August 14, 2013
The prospect of helping Kia Magic through a rebuilding phase has prompted experienced defender Leana de Bruin to re-commit to the ANZ Championship netball side for another two years.
De Bruin rejoined Kia Magic in 2012 after a stint with Southern Steel, the opportunity to remain close to home and in the best interests of her young son Caleb, also weighing heavily in her decision to further extend her stay with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty side.
With a view to the future, the 36-year-old veteran will be joined by up-and-coming teenaged talent Brooke Leaver and Samantha Sinclair.
``I was disappointed with the outcome for Kia Magic this year when we finished fourth,’’ de Bruin said.
``We didn’t reach our full potential and while there are major changes going on at Kia Magic, I like the challenge of being part of a rebuilding team.
``I appreciated the interest shown by other franchises which demonstrated they valued me as a player. However, Kia Magic is a big part of my life and family commitments featured heavily in my decision making.’’
With the new coaching staff of Julie Fitzgerald and Margaret Forsyth picking up the reigns for next year, the Silver Ferns defensive rock is excited to be part of a new era.
``With key players no longer at the franchise, Kia Magic is now obviously in a rebuilding phase and I’ve committed to being part of that and that’s the reason for the two-year contract,’’ de Bruin said.
``I think this will be good for me. Now that (former coach) Noeline Taura is no longer here, that era has passed, so I see this as a new beginning, having a new coach and a number of changes in team personnel.’’
Former NSW Swifts coach, and more recently head netball coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, Fitzgerald was pleased to be able to retain de Bruin’s services.
``I am delighted that Leana will be returning to Kia Magic for the 2014 season,’’ Fitzgerald said.
``She is one of the game’s hardest working defenders, constantly pressuring her opponent. Leana has the ability to switch from one-on-one to space defence instinctively.
``Her intensity never drops regardless of the score or opponent and I believe her work ethic will be invaluable in driving her younger team-mates and setting the standard required for this level of competition.’’
Of the two newcomers, willowy shooter Leaver comes from a strong sporting pedigree, following in the footsteps of her mother Leonie, a former Silver Ferns shooter while father Mark played hockey for New Zealand.
A member of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Zone which recently won the inaugural under-23 national title, Leaver leaves with the New Zealand under-21 side on Thursday for the World Youth championships in Scotland.
``I am excited to be able to work with one of New Zealand’s up-and-coming shooters,’’ Fitzgerald said.
``At the under-23 championships, Brooke displayed a strong game, competing well against all kinds of defence and shooting with accuracy under pressure. Having improved considerably over the last 12 months, I look forward to working with Brooke as she takes the next step up to the ANZ Championship, one I believe she is well and truly ready for.’’
Leaver had a brief stint with Central Pulse in 2011 as a replacement player, played in the New Zealand Secondary Schools team in 2010 and was in the Emerging Talent Squad from 2010-12.
Fellow Waikato/Bay of Plenty under-23 team member, Rotorua schoolgirl Sinclair has taken little time to catch the eye. Co-captain on the New Zealand Secondary Schools team this year, the talented midcourter played her way into Kia Magic contention with a string of impressive performances at the national under-23 championships.
``Magic are excited to be able to add a promising young player to our roster in Sam Sinclair,’’ Fitzgerald said.
``I first saw Sam on the court at the under-23 championships in Wellington recently and was impressed by her ability to read the play, feed the circle and her work ethic. I think she has an exciting future and her game will flourish when given the opportunity to train and play with more experienced players.
``There is a maturity to Sam’s game which defies her inexperience and she displays a real passion to learn and improve.’’
Kia Magic are expected to announce further signing in the coming days.
Jane Hunt
Kia Magic media liaison
Ph: 021-107-0287
