Whatever happened to...? Former Otago Rebel Angela Mitchell

Otago Rebels goal attack Angela Mitchell claims possession in front of Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic goal defence Casey Williams in a national netball league match at the Edgar Sports Centre in 2003. Photos: Peter McIntosh/supplied.

This month sports writer Adrian Seconi catches up with the former goal attack.

Then . . .

Angela Mitchell began her career up the road in Canterbury but moved to Oamaru when she joined the Otago Rebels in 2003.

The milky-skinned goal attack had made her international debut a year earlier and was keen to continue developing in the role. But with Silver Ferns goal attack Belinda Colling blocking her pathway at the Canterbury Flames, Mitchell — who played five tests for the Silver Ferns — made the decision to head south.

She quickly established herself in the Lois Muir-coached team and went on to become the third-most capped Rebel with 32 appearances, and third-highest scorer with 558 goals from 787 attempts. Mitchell was promoted to captain in 2005 and has fond memories of her time.

"It was a really fun time," Mitchell said.

"It was interesting because I went from being quite a young player in Canterbury to being one of the older players in Otago and I think it was probably quite good for me to take on a more senior role in the team."

Mitchell played alongside a lanky defender from the West Coast going by the name of Anna Scarlett. Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby was still playing then and was the team’s co-captain. The Rebels also had a future champion cyclist in their midst in the form of Alison Shanks.

Mitchell with her children Ethan and Amelia at their family home in Ashburton.

The Rebels made the semifinals that year but were beaten 56-43 by the all-conquering Southern Sting. But earlier in the season the Rebels stunned the Sting 50-48 in Dunedin. It is still one of Mitchell’s favourite netball memories.

Now . . .

Mitchell retired in 2008 but returned to play one season for the Canterbury Tactix in 2009. Following that she moved from Oamaru to Lower Hutt with her husband, Ryan, where she taught at Chilton St James School. The couple have two children — Amelia (8) and Ethan (5) — and live in Ashburton. Mitchell is the year 12 dean at Ashburton College.

"I went to Ashburton College so it is nice to come back home and it is funny being a teacher where I went to school. But I’m really enjoying it."

Mitchell’s passion is teaching these days but she has  remained involved in netball through coaching secondary school  teams.

"These girls keep me busy and it is great because they are just so keen to learn and have such great attitudes."

The last time Mitchell put on a netball bib was six years ago when she was living in Lower Hutt.

"I don’t miss playing anymore. I look back on my playing days with a big smile on my face and I loved all the experiences I had. But now I don’t miss it. I really enjoy the coaching, being a mum and being a teacher."