After winning her spot back in the Silver Ferns team for the 2019 Netball World Cup, hard-working midcourter Shannon Saunders hasn’t looked back and will attend her third Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022.

A stalwart in the Steel midcourt where she predominantly plays centre, Saunders started out as a wing attack, so provides the necessary cover to play both positions to a high standard.

In recent times, Saunders has slipped seamless into the captaincy role of a young Steel team, leading by example with her ability to perform while also guiding the ship in a calm unobtrusive manner.

Rarely missing a beat since 2019, the tireless midcourter has found a new lease of life while delivering a succession of consistent and top-quality performances. Saunders got her break for higher honours in 2013 when called into the Silver Ferns squad as cover and quickly made a mark with her speed and fitness levels while also making her debut. She remained a permanent fixture until 2018.

A product of Motueka High School, near Nelson, Saunders’ netball career gained traction when she headed to Otago University, finding her niche with a young Southern Steel team and going on to become an integral member since joining them in 2012.

A no-frills type of player, Saunders is a whole-hearted performer who can match it with the best through her dogged determination, relentless commitment and ability to execute.