Samantha Sinclair's Magic Debut
Press Release March 6, 2014
She’s instantly recognisable on the Netball court with her long curly red hair scooped up into a bun or pony tail and while new Kia Magic recruit Samantha Sinclair certainly stands out, it’s her athletic ability and on-court skill for which she will ultimately be talked about.
Kia Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald showed her hand last weekend injecting the exciting young mid-courter into the match for her ANZ Championship debut. It was a fearless move by Fitzgerald to give the 18-year old her first taste of Netball at the elite level in the opening match of the season against the EasiYo Tactix.
Sinclair completed Year 13 at John Paul College in Rotorua last year and has been touted by some as the next Laura Langman, high praise for the 18 year old.
With a strong training ethic and impressive athletic ability, Sinclair wants to take her Netball career as far as she can, grateful for the faith shown in her by the coaching staff at Kia Magic.
“For me, the chance to have my debut in not only the first Magic game of the season but also for the entire ANZ Championship was totally unexpected,” she said.
“The whole experience passed in a bit of a blur, but my team mates were really supportive of me and I knew, as always, that they totally had my back.”
Sinclair has been a key member of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team for the past three years, co-captaining the side last year to victory in the Trans-Tasman Secondary Schools tournament in Rotorua and featuring in age-group tournaments, frequently making the ‘tournament selection’ team.
Sinclair caught the eye of the Magic while still at school and was asked to trial at the end of 2012, unlucky to miss out on a contract with the Waikato Bay of Plenty side for the 2013 season. What a difference a year makes. Looking for some new mid-court options following the departure of Langman, Khao Watts and Jodi Tod-Elliott, the Magic secured her signature in the off-season, opening up a new chapter for the teen.
The step up to ANZ Championship level can be a steep one for young talent and while she’s not alone at the Magic, joining fellow teens Malia Paseka and Jamie-Lee Price, and 20 year-old Brooke Leaver, Sinclair wants to grasp every opportunity with both hands.
She can play all three midcourt positions, but sees herself playing for the Kia Magic in the centre/wing attack bib. With a long off-season and busy pre-season build-up, Sinclair says getting a run in first match of the season more than lived up to expectations.
“The speed and intensity of the game was like no secondary school or even Under 23 game that I've played.”
“The ball was coming down court at a pretty fast pace and on both attack and defence, you just had to be ready to go all the time,” she said.
“Even after just one quarter, I felt like I'd run a marathon.”
Sinclair has relocated from Rotorua to Hamilton, enrolling in an almost full time course at Waikato University, studying towards a Bachelor of Management Studies.
She is confident about fulfilling her requirements as a student and a semi-professional Netballer with a steely determination to succeed in all areas of her life. During the ANZ Championship season, Sinclair has resolved to fulfil her role as a team member whether on or off the court and focus on gleaning as much as she can from fellow teammates and coaching staff.
“The main thing for me is to be constantly improving.
“Never mind staying consistent, because every game and every training I have to up-the-anti, to keep pushing for that starting line-up spot,” she added.
“I realise that it won't happen overnight but if I can stay focussed and on task then I'm setting myself up to achieve those goals.”
Kia Magic travel up State Highway One to face the Northern Mystics on Monday night at The Trusts Arena in Auckland. Tickets are still available with the match broadcast live on SKY Sport in New Zealand and FOX SPORTS in Australia.
