Rasmussen and Trip sign with Kia Magic
Press Release September 12, 2013
The opportunity to operate in a new environment with an Australian coach has lured valuable utility attacker Grace Rasmussen to Kia Magic for the 2014 ANZ Championship netball season.
Kia Magic have also signed rangy defender Jo Trip, a former New Zealand under-21 squad member, who has been with the Tactix for the past three years.
A foundation member with the Northern Mystics, Rasmussen, 25, cut her teeth in international netball at the 2005 World Youth Championships as part of the winning New Zealand under-21 team and made her Silver Ferns debut in 2010.
A creative and talented front line player, Rasmussen has played predominantly in the pivot’s position of wing attack in recent seasons but is equally at home at goal attack while also a handy back-up centre.
``Kia Magic offered a change, a new environment and obviously the coaching of Julie (Fitzgerald) and I’m thoroughly looking forward to starting this new chapter in my life,’’ Rasmussen said.
Disappointed to miss out on this year’s Silver Ferns squad, Rasmussen is hoping her move will provide the springboard to re-stake her claims.
``Hopefully it brings a new perspective and with Julie there something new and different to my game in helping provide that X-factor going into the new season,’’ she said.
Incoming coach Fitzgerald believes Rasmussen will be a vital cog in helping rebuild Kia Magic’s attack line in 2014.
``She will be a very valuable member,’’ Fitzgerald said. ``Her athleticism and speed will complement the players we have brought together and her experience will be a great asset to some of our younger attackers.
``Grace will fit well into our plan of having a diverse attack end that will be capable of mixing up our style of play.’’
After finishing her tertiary studies in Christchurch, Trip, 23, relocated to Hamilton six weeks ago to be with her partner. She will play for Hamilton City, coached by Kia Magic assistant Margaret Forsyth, in the Lion Foundation national championships in Dunedin in October.
The 1.88m defender is excited by the opportunity to play for Kia Magic, viewing it as another step in enhancing her career.
``My main goal is still one day to be a Silver Fern and with the likes of Casey (Kopua) and Leana (de Bruin) in the Kia Magic team, I just want to learn as much as I can off those two as well as a new set of coaches,’’ she said.
Kia Magic players confirmed for 2014:
Grace Rasmussen, Jo Trip, Ellen Halpenny, Courtney Tairi, Casey Kopua, Leana de Bruin, Jo Harten, Brooke Leaver, Samantha Sinclair.
Jane Hunt
Kia Magic media liaison
Ph: 021-107-0287
