In a side not lacking for leaders, Trident Homes Tactix’ midcourter Kimiora Poi says it is a “great honour” to be asked to lead the side again in the ANZ Premiership.
Poi has been confirmed to captain the Tactix for a second season with defender Karin Burger announced as vice-captain heading into the 2023 national league.
The dynamic midcourter said stepping into the shoes of some of the great Tactix leaders who had gone before her was an opportunity she was both honoured and grateful for.
“Only a handful of people are privileged enough to have this role and there have been many legends of the game who have been captain of the Tactix,” she said. “It’s a great honour to be asked to lead this side again.”
Poi said there had been plenty of learnings for her during her first season as captain of the Tactix, and she expected that growth to continue in a side filled with experienced players.
“The feeling in the group is really good. With a good mix of youth and experienced players, our standards and expectations of each other are high. We’ve had a tough pre-season, but I feel we are all just ready to get into the season.”
Tactix coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek said she was pleased to have Poi back as captain and was looking forward to seeing her continue to grow in the role.
“She’s someone who leads by example and sets high standards at training,” she said. “But she’s also very much a people person and ensures those connections are as strong off court as they are on.
“Centre isn’t the easiest of positions for a captain, but Kimi’s definitely got a growing voice on court.”
Delaney-Hoshek said her team had a wealth of experienced players including former captain Jane Watson who was returning to the game from maternity leave.
“Jane will be Jane and will be a leader out there on court and will also be supporting Kimi in her role as captain. We’re really fortunate to have so many leaders within our group that will all bring something different.”
Delaney-Hoshek said was delighted to see Burger step up as vice-captain – the defender being a mentor to a number of young players within the Tactix.
“We’ve watched Karin grow as a person and in terms of the team she is really developing in that leadership role and has been particularly positive in guiding some of our younger players.”
Burger said it was a “big honour” to be selected in a leadership role as vice-captain.
“It means you have the trust from management and your team mates – that’s pretty special,” she said.
The defender said there was plenty of experience in the Tactix side this year which would ensure a lot of voices and input, taking some of the pressure off those in leadership roles.
“Personally I just want to ensure that every player is happy, they’re being heard and being a voice on court.”
The Tactix open their 2023 ANZ Premiership against the Stars in Auckland on 6 March ahead of their first home game at Christchurch Arena on 12 March when they play the Mystics.
