Presented with an opportunity to play alongside her netball idols was too good for Splice Construction Magic shooter Martina Reekers to turn down.
The 18-year-old debuted for the Magic last weekend against the Pulse taking the court with her long-time idols now teammates shooters Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
“It felt so good to be out there and I was really nervous. Being at trainings I feel comfortable in the team but being out there in an actual ANZ game was another level.”
The proud Kiwi says she tells all her Magic teammates how much she’s looked up to them and how much she’s learning from them on a daily basis.
“It’s not just on the court that I’m getting so much from them, it’s off the court as well.”
“They’re there for me and I still can’t believe I actually get to play with them.”
Recruited by Magic head coach Mary-Jane Araroa, Reekers was initially offered a training partner position for the season and arrived in New Zealand from Brisbane in late December 2021.
“My Mum just looked at me and said this is a massive opportunity.”
Born in Auckland Reekers moved to Australia when she was 18 months old. She feels like being based at Mount Maunganui she’s finally home.
“It was just a dream come true to be on court last weekend. Ever since I started playing netball at 12, I wanted to play for New Zealand or play netball in New Zealand.”
Being away from her family she admits being home sick at times but she’s also thriving committing to netball full time surrounded by her new Magic whānau.
Reekers has a passion for videography and hopes to study towards a career in the media industry.
Following her Magic debut in the weekend she was quick to speak to her parents back in Australia who have been so supportive of the move across the Tasman to pursue her netball dreams.
“They told me how proud they were of me and the hard work I’m doing. Then they reminded me to keep going.”
