Midcourter Frances Solia may be long past the first flush of youth, but a move to the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic has nonetheless given her netball a new lease of life.
The transition from being an ever-consistent performer in struggling teams for much of her career into one surrounded by an array of talent has not, however, been all plain sailing.
"This whole experience of moving has been very challenging for me," Solia said.
"I've come into a new environment, a new style - new everything really - and so it was down to me to adjust to them.
"Moving from Wellington to the Magic has challenged me in every respect. I was very comfortable in Wellington with the way we did things, but coming into the Magic has meant I am on my toes all the time and always thinking.
"Making one of the elite teams makes you feel like you're starting all over. Everything ahead of you is a challenge and that's what makes it so good. I am demanding more from myself because I am being constantly tested across the board."
Apart from 2003, which she spent with the Canterbury Flames, Solia, 32, had played her entire 10-year domestic netball career in the capital.
Her own biggest critic, Solia judges herself harshly and while encouraged by the team's outing against the Steel - won 48-39 by the Magic on Monday - she only gives herself a five out of 10 for the season to date.
"I am still trying to find my best form," she said.
"I have put off re-watching the game (Steel) because I know I will be a little disappointed in my own performance. I know I'm capable of doing more."
A dour struggle against the Northern Mystics the previous week spurred the Magic to take a hard look at themselves coming into the Steel clash.
"We made a huge effort from last week's (Mystics) game in our through-court play," Solia said.
"We had identified that as being an issue that we had to address and in the Steel match we probably produced our best through court play to date."
At the crossroads this season, Solia has been rejuvenated with the Magic and looking to prolong her career.
"While I'm still not totally happy with my own performance, I've got no regrets at all in making this change," she said.
"It has given me everything I need to continue that hunger to play netball."
The Magic have a bye this weekend before tackling the top-of-the-table Melbourne Vixens in Tauranga on June 8.
