Midcourter Holly Mather is ready to step up and learn from some of the country’s most experienced netballers having signed on with the Trident Homes Tactix.
The 23-year-old will head south for the 2025 ANZ Premiership and will join Tactix stalwart Erikana Pedersen in the midcourt, who has re-signed for another season, leaving one position still to be filled in the Mainland unit.
Mather, who hails from Opua in Northland, made the most of her opportunities this season after being elevated from a training partner with the Stars to injury cover in the midcourt.
She said she was looking forward to making the big move to Christchurch and continue to grow her game.
“The majority of my netball career has been spent in Northland and Auckland, so I’m excited for the new challenge to step out of my comfort zone and to learn and grow my game, especially from experienced players and coaches,” she said.
Mather said she enjoyed the challenge of moving from the role as training partner this season and playing in the domestic league.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and the court time I gained,” she said. “Next year I hope to build on what I’ve learned with the Stars, absorbing all the new insights from the coaches and players to continue growing my game.”
She joins Pedersen, one of the leagues most experienced midcourters who returned to the club this year and is back for her seventh Premiership campaign in red-and-black colours.
Pedersen, who switched between wing attack and centre this season, encompasses the Tactix values both on and off court which was recognised this year with the club’s Kelly Hutton Spirit of the Tactix award.
Tactix coach Donna Wilkins said she was looking forward to seeing one of the game’s promising young midcourters stand beside the likes of Pedersen who had such a strong knowledge of netball.
“Holly is another young netballer who has taken the opportunities in front of her and made the most of them. I’m looking forward to coaching Holly and having her link with Erikana who made such an impact in the Tactix midcourt, on and off the court, on her return to the club this year,” she said.
“Holly offers something new, but we also have a fountain of knowledge with Erikana who will lead that Tactix midcourt next year.”
The Trident Homes Tactix have now confirmed eight players to date including Martina Salmon, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Ellie Bird, Karin Burger, Jane Watson, Paris Lokotui, Pedersen and Mather.
Two further spots will be confirmed this week to fill the roster.
The Tactix will open their 2025 ANZ Premiership campaign when they host the Southern Steel in Christchurch on 11 May.
Tactix midcourt 2025:
Holly Mather
Erikana Pedersen
