It’s been the longest period of time Claire Kersten has been away from Wellington in over a decade but this Sunday she will return to the Capital to take on her former Pulse teammates in Round 2 of the ANZ Premiership.
“I spent nine years at the Pulse and Wellington is such a great city but I’m really loving the Magic,” says the Slice Construction Magic midcourter
Swapping the yellow dress for the Magic colours in 2022 Kersten says the first Magic huddle felt a bit weird but she has quickly adapted to new routines and teammates.
“When I first yelled ‘Magic on 3’ I was like hmmm but it’s been great to get stuck in and get going with the team.”
Kersten along with Magic captain Samantha Winders, played with the Silver Ferns in the Netball Quad Series in January in England. On return to New Zealand, she contracted covid-19. After a period of isolation and recovery she was able to resume a return to play schedule.
Now fit and healthy Kersten, says it’s been a bit of a whirlwind of a start to the year.
A Round 1 win over defending champions the Mytsics, Kersten says for the team it was great to play some good possession netball however it was by no means a perfect performance.
“That’s the exciting part. Every chance we get on court we want to be better.”
Having played with a number of the current Magic team including Winders, at an international level Kersten says being with the Magic is a great opportunity to continue to work on those combinations.
As the Magic prepare to go up against the Pulse this weekend Kersten feels quite relaxed about going up against her former teammates.
“It will be different to face them on court but for me it’s about the Magic and what we can do.”
A primary school teacher Kersten initially intended to work one day a week doing relief work in season but with the current covid environment she will focus on netball full time.
“It’s a hectic condensed season and I want to give it my all.”
She’s loving living in Papamoa with Magic and Ferns teammate Bailey Mes and relishing the sunny Bay of Plenty days.
“The other night we were still on the beach at 7pm after a big day training.”
Kersten and her Magic teammates will play the Pulse at the Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua at 4pm this Sunday 20 March.
