England international to line up with Kia Magic
Press Release August 15, 2013
England international Jo Harten is relishing the opportunity to ply her trade with Kia Magic in the 2014 ANZ Championship netball competiton after two seasons with the Christchurch-based Tactix.
The 1.88m shooter is poised to take the next step in her career, blessed with an unflappable temperament, strong movement and ability to shoot from anywhere, Harten felt Kia Magic would provide the ideal environment to help her push on.
``It was just the opportunity to play in a different set-up and with a different team,’’ she said. ``Also the Kia Magic franchise is steeped in success which made it a very attractive move for me.
``Obviously I’ve been in the Tactix team for two years and we haven’t had the most success but I understood that going into that team and now seeing the Kia Magic hand over from one era, and hopefully build another, is a very exciting opportunity and to be a part of that would be great for my netball career.’’
With 48 test caps under her belt, Harten, 24, has been at the forefront of a resurgent England team in recent years and believes the trans-Tasman competition has played an important role in developing her game.
Playing in an young and inexperienced Tactix line-up had proved challenging at times but had helped Harten get a gauge on her own ability as a player.
``I think my game’s improved to a certain extent,’’ she said. ``Every game you get different experiences and as a shooter it’s all about consistency and trying to put out a match-winning performance every week. The ANZ Champs have definitely helped me to get better but I think I’ve still got a long way to go in terms of where I want to be personally for my game.
``Again, playing for Kia Magic and being part of this franchise can help me push on.’’
The incoming coaching line-up of Julie Fitzgerald, who has been immersed at varying levels of Australian netball for many years, and former Silver Ferns shooter Margaret Forsyth also proved an attractive drawcard for Harten.
Fitzgerald, who first saw Harten playing at the World Youth Championships in 2009, was immediately impressed by her calmness and accuracy.
``Over the last four years, Jo has grown into one of the international game’s leading shooters, providing the focal point at the end of England’s attack line,’’ she said.
``A player like Jo is invaluable because of the variety they bring to the circle. She is capable of playing a strong holding game, providing good movement and options to her feeders and mixing this up when the game demands.
``Jo is comfortable in both goal attack and goal shooter and will present Kia Magic with many options in both combinations and style. It has been exciting to watch Jo’s game development in both the ANZ Championship and internationally with England and I look forward to working with her and helping her to grow more in the future.’’
Currently living at her parents home in Essex, Harten will shortly move to Bath where she will be based for six months while taking part in England Netball’s intensive training programme, a semi-centralised training programme where the England squad will train together as much as possible in the build-up to next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Harten is set to take part in England trials this weekend ahead of a three-test series against South Africa next month.
England will also play a test series against the Silver Ferns in England, in January before Harten relocates to New Zealand for pre-season training with Kia Magic.
Harten joins recent signings Leana de Bruin, Brooke Leaver and Samantha Sinclair on Kia Magic’s 2014 roster to date.
Jane Hunt
Kia Magic media liaison
Ph: 021-107-0287
