Silver Ferns captain and squad announced

Netball New Zealand today announced experienced defender Casey Williams as the new Silver Ferns captain and named fifteen players in the 2009/2010 Silver Ferns squad.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken says Williams is a remarkable athlete and a world class player who leads by example.

“Casey is as a formidable competitor who is widely respected across the netball world. Her commitment and determination are qualities we value highly in the Silver Ferns.”

Williams says it is a huge privilege to be named as Silver Ferns captain.

“To be in the Silver Ferns and to wear the black dress is an honour in itself but even fewer get the opportunity to captain the side. It’s something I take very seriously and hold with great respect, she said.

Williams has become the 23rd captain of the Silver Ferns since the first test match held in 1938.

New comers to the Silver Ferns squad are Camilla Lees (Pulse), and Charlotte Kight (Tactix). Temepara George (Mystics) returns to the squad after a two year absence.

Aitken said she was delighted with the make-up of the newly announced squad with some talented new faces combining with a core of experienced internationals.

” While there are definitely some challenges ahead, this is a great group of players who will work extremely hard to ensure success for the Silver Ferns in 2009 and beyond.”

On the 21st of August, 12 players will be named in the Silver Ferns team to contest the New World International Netball Series against the World 7.

The 2009/2010 Silver Ferns squad is:

Liana Barrett-Chase (Steel), Maree Bowden (Tactix),Temepara George (Mystics), Katrina Grant (Steel), Paula Griffin (Pulse), Joline Henry (Magic), Charlotte Kight (Tactix), Laura Langman (Magic), Camilla Lees (Pulse), Sheryl Scanlan (Steel), Wendy Telfer (Steel), Anna Thompson (Tactix), Maria Tutaia (Magic),Irene van Dyk (Magic), Casey Williams, Captain (Magic)

Up to three further players may be added to this squad after the Silver Ferns trial in late August.

Four additional players have been invited into the Silver Fern Squad trial:

Erika Burgess (Steel), Jodi Tod (Magic), Jess Tuki (Magic), Larissa Willcox (Tactix),

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PROFILE INFORMATION

Casey Williams

Positions: GK, GD

Height: 1.88m

DOB: 19/6/85

Caps: 31

Casey Williams first burst onto the scene with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic while still at school in 2003. The long-limbed defender fulfilled her early promise with a standout 2004 season which led to her inclusion in the Silver Ferns squad the same year.

That form reached new heights in 2005 and her inclusion in the Silver Ferns became a formality as she went on to make her senior international debut on the end of season tour to Jamaica. Earlier in 2005, Williams had been a member of the World Youth Cup-winning New Zealand under-21 team.

An in-circle defender of outstanding quality, Williams is a match-winner and was the premier individual performer at the 2007 world championships. Arguably the game’s greatest goalkeeper, Williams has added to her repertoire by playing more regularly at goal defence this year with similar success. She capped a stellar 2008 by being named Player of the ANZ Championship and assuming the co-vice captaincy of the Silver Ferns.