Young Auckland Stars shooter Amorangi Malesala says being named for the Silver Ferns development squad puts her in reach of her dream team.
Malesala, who speaks both te reo Māori and Samoan, had a circuitous path to the spot, including 16 appearances with the Waikato Bay Of Plenty Magic when she was studying law at Waikato University, and two years in Sydney with the New South Wales Swifts.
She says it’s great to be among the best 26 players in the country – and she’s not taking it for granted.
“There’s hundreds and thousands of girls out there who would love to be in this position and when there’s such a big goal you want to work towards I think you’ve just have to embrace it, take on the challenge and really put your best foot forward when you get the opportunity to take the court,” she says.
Experienced midcourter Shannon Saunders was returned to the development squad after becoming a first-time mother earlier this year, while Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse shooter Amelia Walmsley made the 2023/24 Silver Ferns squad.
