Cromwell College year 11 student Grace Tiko was named in the New Zealand Secondary School NZSS) netball team by Netball New Zealand on Sunday (April 28).

Principal Mason Stretch said Grace is a gifted sportswoman dedicated to being her best. 

“She possesses presence, vision and complete commitment to the team in a game. This inspires confidence in others. Grace is also an all rounder. She is the lead vocalist in our Jazz Band 45 South and an astute and conscientious student.”

Grace is one of only three players from the Southern region selected in the 14-strong team. 

Her coach Megan Anderson said Grace, who usually plays goalkeeper, always brings a positive attitude on court.

“Her key strengths are reading the play as the ball comes down the court. [Also] vertical elevation and a wide wingspan [allowing] for many intercepts, dominance on leaning over the shot and rebounds.”

The 2023 team will travel to Australia from June 27-July 3. The NZSS team will be involved in the U19 Australian camp, providing important international competition which has been missing in the past three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A three-day trial in Auckland (April 16-18) involved fitness testing, specialist skill sessions and trial matches. The team was confirmed by the emerging talent panel, coach Pelesa Semu and Netball New Zealand.

Pelesa said it had been a thorough process leading up to the team announcement which started last year with regional tournaments, national development camps in January and this month’s trials.

“History shows a number of New Zealand’s elite players having started their netball journey with the New Zealand Secondary Schools team, so we recognise the important work we have to do with this special group of schoolgirl netballers.”

Former Silver Fern captain Belinda Colling (with 92 test caps) also attended Cromwell College before rising up the ranks of New Zealand netball. 

On Tuesday (May 2) the kura (school) marked her achievement with a special assembly (May 2). 

Read more: Cromwell College honours three exceptional athletes