Joline Henry Cherishing Every Moment

Just two years ago, NZ Netball midcourter Joline Henry was pregnant with her first child, dreams of playing in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games a long way into the future.

Fast forward twenty-four months and the dream to compete in her second campaign at a Commonwealth Games has become a reality for the 31 year old. Selected on the back of some outstanding form, arguably the best Netball of her long and decorated career, Henry says she’s not taking anything for granted and treasuring each moment with the team.

“The Commonwealth Games is very special,” the 78-test veteran said.

“This is one of two pinnacle events we have in the Netball world and we only get to experience them every four years. You may be lucky enough to compete in more than one, but to compete with the very best in your sport on the world stage, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

While not easy to leave her partner and son behind for such a long stretch of time with a week in Bath, England as build-up to the Games and a further eleven days of competition, Henry has had plenty of time to get her head around how to focus on the task at hand.

“I’m reminded daily of the privileged position I am in to do something I love with some of my best friends and in doing so making those I love very proud,” she said.

“My partner (in his wisdom) is the first to say that our son will remember my achievements, not whether or not I have been away every now and then and I have left my boy with the best parents I know, my Mum and Dad.”

Henry says one of the highlights will be taking in the atmosphere in the Athlete’s Village.

“I’m always in awe when seeing the physique, skill and prowess of other athletes from different codes,” she said.

The 700-house Dalmarnock village will host 4,500 competitors and another 2,300 support staff during the Games. The village has its own pub, post office, beauty salon, mini-hospital and shops. The dining hall has 2,000 different items on offer and is expected to serve 390,000 meals during the competition.

“I’m looking forward to the variety on offer in the dining hall, hopefully they’ll have a good stock of cereal!”

On the Netball court, the early matches are not expected to cause the NZ Netball team any problems, however, Henry says sometimes the ‘easy’ matches can cause the most concern.

“Our traditional main rivals Australia, Jamaica and England do seem our major obstacles.

“However you’d be foolish not to be wary of the flair and passionate Netball of other nations,” she said.

“But we will do you justice and bring it home!”