In an injury-disrupted career, perseverance has paid off for talented defender Kayla Johnson following her selection in the Silver Ferns team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Always earmarked for a bright netballing career, Johnson has had to overcome major injury setbacks along the way which have kept her out of the game for long spells. Progressing through the NZ Secondary School ranks and the NZ U21 Squad, Johnson was just 19 when she made her Silver Ferns debut in 2011.

A major knee injury in 2013 on the eve of the Netball World Youth Cup 2013 ruled her out for 12 months and curtailed her progress. Her comeback season in 2015 highlighted that she was back to her best while earning selection in the Silver Ferns team for Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015.

A foundation member, Johnson returned to the Stars in 2022 after time in Australia and the birth of her daughter to reignite her New Zealand career, earning selection for the January Netball Quad Series in England.

Speed off the mark, ability in the air and genuine athleticism have made Cullen a versatile player. Strong defensive qualities combined with an attacking flair make her equally comfortable at either wing or goal defence while she is also no stranger to centre.