Year to remember for netballer Dunn

BY LINDA WOOD

It has already been a year to remember for Wellington netballer Olivia Dunn, 17, and over the next few weeks she could be facing one of her biggest challenges yet.

The Wellington East Girls' year 13 student is a member of the Wellington squad training for the national provincial championships and she will know this week if she has done enough to impress coach Gail Parata. Dunn's other passion is football. She was vice-captain of the first XI who won the premier regional college title last week.

Q: What are your first netball memories?

A: I remember rushing to my netball game from football on a lousy day about 10 years ago. The game started and I was running around in the rain when I caught my partner staring at my legs. I looked down to see mud dripping into my socks. Then I realised why people were giving me weird looks.

Q: How long have you been playing for the PIC top team and how tough is that. Also why have you opted to play for them rather than your college side?

A: I love netball, but had already committed to the first XI for school. As my netball progressed and I couldn't play senior A for the school due to the clash in winter tournament week I chose to trial for PIC in the hope that I would make a top team with expert coaching. I was very excited when I made the PIC premier 1 team with Waimarama Taumaunu [current Silver Ferns assistant coach] as my coach. It has been an amazing experience. The culture at the club is warm and welcoming and I have loved playing for them this season.

Q: Favourite netball player?

A: I love the shorties. Temepara George and Grace Rasmussen.

Q: Favourite position?

A: GA was always my favourite but this season I have played WA and the position is growing on me.

Q: Ambition in netball?

A: To represent Wellington as a franchise player and hopefully one day represent my country.

Q: Reaction when you knew you were in the squad for the Wellington team?

A: Disbelief then nervous excitement. Then the emails arrived explaining the next month's fitness and training regime. The 5am wake ups have not been pretty. Fortunately I have great support and personal taxi drivers – Mum and Dad.

Q: Who has had the biggest influence on your netball career?

A: Waimarama has had a huge influence. I have been fortunate enough to have her as my coach for the past two years.

Q: In the game the Silver Ferns had against Wellington before the test with Samoa how tough was that on you?

A: I played the first half and it was the most amazing experience ever. I felt privileged to be in that position and slightly star struck.

Q: Best advice a coach has given you?

A: "Just go out there and do what you know you can do."

Q: Who has had the biggest influence on your sporting development?

A: My family. They are always on the sideline for both codes.

Q: Your football – how hard has it been to juggle the two codes?

A: Time management is hard. One Wednesday night I had the game against the Silver Ferns finishing at 7pm in Porirua and a football game in Newtown starting at 8pm. We were slightly rushed.

Q: That win on Wednesday night, how special was it, considering your team has dominated the competition in the past but Girls' had previously beaten you?

A: Since I have been at East, Wellington Girls have been our arch-rivals. But to win last Wednesday night was mint. To finish my football at East as regional champions is awesome.

Q: Favourite subject at school and why?

A: Study periods followed by lunch. No, but this year I have loved art history and PE.

Q: Best advice a teacher has given you?

A: "Work hard, play hard."

Q: Favourite music?

A: Anything catchy. All the old classic sing-alongs.

- © Fairfax NZ News