One schoolgirl and six players with trans-Tasman netball league experience have been named in the New Zealand team for the world youth championship in August.
Sixteen-year-old Aucklander Kayla Cullen is the baby of the under-21 team announced today for the championship to be contested by 20 countries in the Cook Islands on August 11-20.
Northern Mystics shooter Grace Rasmussen and Southern Steel defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit were both part of the New Zealand under-21 team who won the championship in 2005.
Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie said she was pleased with the depth of talent and versatility in the team and she was looking forward to developing further combinations within the side over the next 12 weeks.
"This is a great group of athletes who have shown their full commitment to the programme ahead. We all have one goal in mind -- to win back to back gold medals," she said.
The 12-strong squad will attend two training camps in June and July to aid their preparation for the championship.
Team: Hannah Broederlow (Central Pulse), Alanah Cassidy (Western), Emily Close (Otago), Hayley Crofts (Southland), Kayla Cullen (Auckland-Waitakere), Paula Griffin (Central Pulse), Charlotte Kight (Canterbury Tactix), Camilla Lees (Central Pulse), Jess McCormack (Auckland), Jess Moulds (Otago), Grace Rasmussen (Northern Mystics), Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit (Southern Steel).
The selections of Cullen and McCormack are subject to medical and fitness clearances.
Reserves: Jodi Beaumont (Western), Larrissa Harrison (Central Pulse), Emma Iversen (North), Claire Kersten (Otago), Julianna Naoupu (Southern Steel), Jaimee Power (Otago).
