KEY POINTS:
Having finished a serious test in academia, midfielder Kim Noakes is undergoing another in her sports career - one she aims to pass with distinction.
Noakes, from Auckland, is one of three newcomers to the national women's squad and, at 24, admits to being a late starter compared with Northland defender Alana Millington, 18, and North Harbour halfback Kimberley Green, 20.
"The call-up was surreal - I never received one before," Noakes said from Ashburton this week where she was preparing with the Black Sticks for the four-test series against Australia beginning in Dunedin tomorrow.
The Auckland University student had just completed her master's in biomechanical engineering, handing in her final paper two days before she attended the national trials earlier this year.
"I have been in a trial situation before in the national under-23 trials in 2003 but injured my knee and was out for the year, so I didn't get to have a call.
"There's been nothing since. I've been waiting and waiting and it's fantastic to finally get an opportunity."
She was gob-smacked to be in camp with players such as defender Lizzy Igasan, who is about her age but has already clocked up 90 caps with the Black Sticks since her debut in 2001.
There can't be a harder test than to take on Olympic champions, but Noakes said she was not about to trip herself up by making things complicated.
"I have to be confident and make sure that I play to my strengths and keep it simple - I don't want to be too fancy because while I'm testing the water, I have to work out what's going to work for me.
"Obviously, it's going to be quite tough to keep up - it's going to be a step up in terms of the pace and physicality of the game," said Noakes, who listed a high work-rate, good passing skills and vision among her strengths.
The downside was she didn't have a hugely strong hit and needed to be sharper in the shooting circle - two items new coach Kevin Towns is demanding because he wants the Black Sticks to play at pace.
Noakes has performed well in training matches so far, impressing Towns with her pace and fitness when she played against the Canterbury under-19 men's team this week.
Noakes has had no indication when she would get her first cap but said she was keeping her fingers crossed it would be in the first test in Dunedin, which her brother and parents were planning to attend.
"Over the four games I'll get on the field at some stage but it would be nice to get on in Dunedin because my family are going to be there."
For the moment she was training hard and was preparing herself mentally for when she gets on the field. "I like to write things down and look over them - makes things simpler because I tend to think too much.
"I'm only nervous until the game starts but the pace of the game and physicality will be a big thing - I'm expecting the worst so I'll be prepared for it."
Test Series
NZ v Australia
* Tomorrow, Dunedin
* Tuesday, Oamaru
* May 19, Christchurch
* May 20, Christchurch
- NZPA
