The Dunedin curler will lead the New Zealand junior women’s team after being selected as the skip for the world junior B championships in December.
She will be in good company, with fellow Dunedin curlers Tylah James and Ellie McKenzie also named, alongside Ranfurly curler Olivia Russell and Trinity Cowie, of Auckland.
Petersen, who was previously an alternate at the 2023 event, was thrilled to be heading to Finland alongside her clubmates.
"It doesn’t happen very often so we’re really excited," Petersen said.
"It’s just an incredible opportunity, really, that we’re so fortunate to have for such a tiny nation for the sport.
"If we place top three, we qualify for the world As in Denmark next year, which is our ultimate goal."
Petersen grew up in Auckland and started curling at school in 2020 when a friend asked her to join the school team.
"My mum’s Canadian so I figured, ‘why not?’ And I never looked back — I absolutely love it."
Curling led her to Dunedin, shifting to the city to be close to the Dunedin Ice Stadium — "it was the largest place I could get to with a curling rink" — and pursue the sport at a higher level.
"I love it down here. I’ve built my life down here now."
Petersen, who works as an apprentice joiner at Leith Joinery, loved the sport, but it was the community supporting the athletes on the ice that spurred them on.
"It’s tight-knit wherever you are. Whether you’re curling in Auckland, you’re curling in Dunedin, the community supports each other so hugely.
"None of us would be able to afford to go overseas without the support of that community.
"We’re constantly funding each other and getting whatever teams are representing New Zealand overseas.
"It’s the group of people that I get to curl with every weekend. It’s an amazing sport."
Poolburn curlers Jed Nevill (skip) and William Loe, and Kyeburn curler Jack Steele, have also been selected for the men’s junior team for the world championships. Auckland curlers Cyrus Wei and Abraham Chanwong have also been named.
