Media release for immediate use 12 March 2009
Silver Fern Duo Take Charge Of Tactix
Julie Seymour has been announced as Tactix captain for the upcoming 2009 ANZ Championship. The Tactix begins its
campaign against 2008 winners, the New South Wales Swifts, on 6 April.
Coach Helen Mahon-Stroud says Julie Seymour’s experience made her an obvious choice by the team and management to lead
the side.
“Julie Seymour is the complete netball athlete, physically and mentally. Her knowledge, experience and determination
have been invaluable within the Tactix environment. The fact that Julie’s leadership qualities have been recognised at
an international level shows what an impact she has within a team,” she says.
“Julie has the ability to not only lead the side, but challenge them to strive for excellence. Her cool head under
pressure is also vital to succeeding in such a tough competition,” she added.
Since first making the Silver Ferns in 1994, Julie Seymour has amassed 92 caps for New Zealand, and was handed the
captaincy in mid-2008.
Current Silver Fern mid-courter Maree Bowden has been named as vice-captain Helen Mahon-Stroud says the team is
fortunate to have two quality players with international experience in its leadership group.
“Maree’s playing and leadership abilities are a great asset to the Tactix. Maree and Julie have similar netball
philosophies and training ethics, so they work very well together. Maree also has experience at international level and
is up to meeting the challenges associated with an elite sporting environment,” she says.
“The additions of England co-captain Sonia Mkoloma and former Rebels captain and Silver Fern Angela Mitchell to the
squad, gives us an impressive group of players with excellent leadership qualities,” she added.
The 2009 Tactix sees the return of eight players from its 2009 line-up. Sonia Mkoloma, Angela Mitchell, Kahurangi
Waititi and Larrissa Willcox are the new additions to the squad for 2009.
This season the Tactix has seven home games starting with the West Coast Fever in round two of the ANZ Championships at
Westpac Arena on 13 April.
ends