Michaela Sokolich-Beatson was the sole uncapped player selected in the Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games squad. Photo / Photosport.
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson was the sole uncapped player selected in the Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games squad. Photo / Photosport.
On Wednesday, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson was prepared for a regular day. Training to be a teacher, she was set to observe a year 11 class.
But midway through the lesson, her phone rang. Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby was calling to tell her she had made the team for the Commonwealth Games.
The 21-year-old was the sole uncapped player in the squad, which was officially announced this morning, and was caught off-guard by the news.
"It was more me crying and saying 'are you sure?' she told Radio Sport of her call with Southby. "It's all still sinking in. It doesn't really feel real yet."
The Northern Mystics defender was joined by 12-test shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio as the new faces in the squad, which was shaken up a touch after a disappointing Quad Series campaign.
As a result, Phoenix Karaka, Whitney Souness, Jane Watson and Maia Wilson missed out on selection.
The team's immediate focus will be three training camps in the build-up to the series against Jamaica, Malawi and Fiji for the Taini Jamison Trophy in Auckland from March 21-24.
While she was excited to get to work with the national team, Sokolich-Beatson wasn't disillusioned about what her likely role in the squad would initially be.
"Starting seven is not really in my thoughts yet because I've just been named. Just to be in this environment and to learn is my focus for now.
"I try not to overthink when I go out there. I just like to go out there and pour my heart out onto that court and give it my all, really. Just go for every ball I can and add something hopefully.
"I do feel ready. I've come off a bit of an injury but each week I've been growing my fitness back and my strength."
Southby noted Sokolich-Beatson's versatility on the court as a key reason for her selection, while noted Ekenasio was ready to return after taking time away to start a family.
"[Sokolich-Beatson's] addition to the side means we have cover for both goal defence and wing defence," Southby said.
"Ameliaranne brings another layer of experience to our attacking end and her flair at both goal attack and goal shoot leaves us with plenty of options up front. She has performed well for the FAST5 Ferns most recently and is ready to return to the top level."
"We are aware of the challenge awaiting us on the Gold Coast which I know will bring out the best of these players."
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