But Steel defender Abby Erwood also experienced some sadness after learning she had been named in the New Zealand under-21 team.
The 20-year-old will join the likes of Silver Ferns Maia Wilson and Kelly Jury in a 12-strong squad which has been selected for the purpose of defending its World Youth Cup title in Botswana in July.
Erwood got the call about noon. It capped off a great 24 hours.
The undefeated Steel thrashed the Pulse 80-44 in Porirua on Wednesday night and, by lunch time yesterday, Erwood was named in the national team.
"I’m very shocked and honoured to get the opportunity to be part of that team," she said.
"I’m really just overwhelmed and just can’t believe it to be honest."
Back-up Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn also made the squad.
Mystics defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson will captain the side and Tactix midcourter Charlotte Elley has been named vice-captain.
Erwood described her inclusion in the squad as "a massive step up" and felt it was a credit to her team-mates.
Training against the likes of shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid has brought out the best in Erwood.
"The girls in the team really challenge me and strive for me to get better. It really helps with just the environment we have and has got me to where I am, really."
Erwood’s grandmother, Shirley Annan, who died earlier this year, was a big influence on Erwood. Annan played for the New Zealand netball team in the 1960s and always encouraged her grandchildren to chase their dreams.
"That has been quite hard today [not being able to tell her]. But I just know she would have been very proud of me and what I’ve achieved today," Erwood said.
The World Youth Cup was first held in 1988 and New Zealand has won the the title three times (1992, 2005 and 2013). It beat the reigning world champion, Australia, 52-47 in the final in 2013.
Coach Kiri Wills felt it was a "great position" for her side to be in.
"Generally we’ve been going in as underdogs, but it’s a good challenge to be the defending champions," Wills said.
The team will leave New Zealand on July 3 for South Africa where it will continue its preparations before going on to Botswana.
New Zealand has been drawn in pool A with Sri Lanka, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Samoa. Its first game is against Northern Ireland on July 8.
NZ under-21
Squad
Aliyah Dunn, Charlotte Elley, Abby Erwood, Monica Falkner, Fa’amu Ioane, Kelly Jury, Kate Lloyd, Tiana Metuarau, Kimiorea Poi, Mila Reuela-Buchanan, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Maia Wilson
