Wilson nets international debut
September 16, 2016
A dream was realised in Palmerston North when 18-year-old Maia Wilson made her Silver Ferns debut in the second Test of the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy.
Coming on in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Wilson made an immediate impact, slotting her first shot on goal and going on to net three goals on debut.
Wilson becomes only the 163rd player to pull on the Black Dress, becoming the fourth player to debut this season.
“Inside I was freaking out, but this season I feel like I’ve been calm and composed and that’s what I wanted to take into this game; it’s pretty amazing,” Wilson said.
“I’m just privileged to get on court; it’s an awesome opportunity to become a Silver Fern and now to solidify my spot - #163 - as an 18-year-old is awesome.”
Wilson paired with Te Paea Selby-Rickit in the shooting circle when she came on – the duo with a total of four caps between them. It was a moment six months ago, Wilson didn’t think was possible.
“I came in as a school girl graduate into a Central Pulse side where I guess no one really thought I’d start,” she said.
“Then to have the unfortunate injury to Jodi Brown, I got my opportunity. Without her help this season I don’t think I’d be here right now.
“Six months ago I would have said ‘you’re dreaming mate’.
“One of the things I need to work on is my conditioning; I feel like I’ve made great growth over the last 6 months, so now I’ve got here I need to continue to learn.
“An 18-year-old coming into an environment like this – there’s a whole world to learn and keep at.”
Fans can catch Maia and her team-mates in action on Saturday afternoon at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre – first centre pass at 5.15pm.
Can’t make it to the game? Fans can catch all the action LIVE on SKY Sport NZ 1 from 5pm, black-to-black with the All Blacks Test Match, and on Prime on delay from 11.05pm (check local guides).
Coming on in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Wilson made an immediate impact, slotting her first shot on goal and going on to net three goals on debut.
Wilson becomes only the 163rd player to pull on the Black Dress, becoming the fourth player to debut this season.
“Inside I was freaking out, but this season I feel like I’ve been calm and composed and that’s what I wanted to take into this game; it’s pretty amazing,” Wilson said.
“I’m just privileged to get on court; it’s an awesome opportunity to become a Silver Fern and now to solidify my spot - #163 - as an 18-year-old is awesome.”
Wilson paired with Te Paea Selby-Rickit in the shooting circle when she came on – the duo with a total of four caps between them. It was a moment six months ago, Wilson didn’t think was possible.
“I came in as a school girl graduate into a Central Pulse side where I guess no one really thought I’d start,” she said.
“Then to have the unfortunate injury to Jodi Brown, I got my opportunity. Without her help this season I don’t think I’d be here right now.
“Six months ago I would have said ‘you’re dreaming mate’.
“One of the things I need to work on is my conditioning; I feel like I’ve made great growth over the last 6 months, so now I’ve got here I need to continue to learn.
“An 18-year-old coming into an environment like this – there’s a whole world to learn and keep at.”
Fans can catch Maia and her team-mates in action on Saturday afternoon at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre – first centre pass at 5.15pm.
Can’t make it to the game? Fans can catch all the action LIVE on SKY Sport NZ 1 from 5pm, black-to-black with the All Blacks Test Match, and on Prime on delay from 11.05pm (check local guides).