Sokolich-Beatson named as FAST5 Ferns captain
Defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson has been named as captain of the FAST5 Ferns ahead of this weekend’s FAST5 Netball World Netball Series in Christchurch.
Sokolich-Beatson will be joined by midcourter Whitney Souness as vice-captain for what is netball’s two-day event featuring a fast-paced five-a-side condensed version of the game, starting on Saturday at Wolfbrook Arena.
The duo bring plenty of experience to the leadership group and FAST5 Ferns coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek said both were natural leaders.
“This is a fantastic group to work with and to have experienced players like Michaela and Whitney at the helm is certainly an asset for the team,” she said.
“Both players are natural leaders and have shown in camp this week their passion and ability to bring this team together in such a short time.
“We’re excited and looking forward to the fun, the action on court and the fantastic Kiwi crowd that really makes the World Netball Series such a special event to be involved with.”
Sokolich-Beatson, who is currently a member of the Silver Ferns Development Squad, is a former Silver Fern who made her international debut against Malawi in 2018 and has 11 Test Caps.
Injury has hampered her time in the black dress, but the talented defender returned to the ANZ Premiership last year and was a part of the Mystics’ title-winning team for the past two seasons.
Souness, who made her Silver Ferns debut in 2017, comes into the FAST5 Ferns straight from netball’s Constellation Cup where she earned her 39th Test Cap for her country.
The dynamic midcourter also has experience in the shortened version of the game, having represented the FAST5 Ferns in the past.
The FAST5 Ferns, who picked up bronze last year, open their World Netball Series campaign against Malawi, before meeting England and Australia on day one. They take on South Africa on Sunday and Jamaica ahead of the play-offs.