Bowden unavailable for 2010-11 Silver Ferns Squad

Netball New Zealand confirmed today Silver Ferns mid-courter, Maree Bowden has made herself unavailable for selection for the 2010-11 Silver Ferns squad.

30-year old Bowden who debuted for the Ferns in 2007 said she could no longer continue to manage the commitments required to be part of the 2010 Silver Ferns programme.

“I am sad to leave the Ferns and I will miss it however I know now is the right time for me to concentrate on my family and developing my teaching career,” she said.

Silver Ferns Coach Ruth Aitken says Bowden’s on and off the court contribution to the Silver Ferns squad will be missed.

“Maree has always been a great team member in the Silver Ferns and we wish her the very best in the next phase of her life,” she said.

Aitken says Bowden’s withdrawal from the Silver Ferns Squad opens up a great opportunity for other mid-courters to step up and prove themselves.

No further additions have been made to Silver Ferns Squad of 16 - at this time but National Selectors will continue to assess players in both ANZ Championship and regional training sessions.

The next Silver Ferns Squad is named in mid July after the ANZ Championship final series.