There was “unfinished business” for Kate Grant which made her answer an easy one when The Good Oil Tactix came calling.
The Christchurch doctor made her Tactix and ANZ Premiership debut in Nelson last Monday and will return with the Mainlanders to Trafalgar Centre to meet the Magic in next week’s Round 10 match.
Grant had been called into the squad earlier this month as injury cover and sat on the bench during the Tactix’ game against the Pulse in Christchurch, but with another injury blow leading into the Round 9 game against the Steel, the 30-year-old shooter was given an opportunity she never thought she’d get again.
“It’s been so amazing,” she said of her court time in New Zealand’s elite domestic league.
She is no stranger to the netball court having represented Otago at age-group and open level – winning the national under-21 title and national provincial championships – and earning a contract with the Southern Steel in 2013.
But it was at a time when she was also studying medicine in Dunedin and Grant quickly came to a crossroads when she realised she couldn’t “give 100 per cent” to both.
“I remember thinking you’re only an injury away from it all ending whereas medicine was a career for life. It was a really tough choice.”
“There have been regrets and I never thought I’d get this chance again. So when I got the call it was sort of unfinished business for me and I knew I had to make the most of the opportunity.”
Grant has done just that showing a calming presence on court during her ANZ Premiership debut, slotting in well in the goal shooting bib – another challenge having played much of her netball at goal attack.
She admits to plenty of nerves before the game against the Steel but outwardly showed the composure of an experienced Premiership player – her movement on court and ability to turn to the post impressing Tactix coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek.
It helped that Grant had plenty of familiar faces alongside her having played with Jane Watson, Charlotte Elley and Samon Nathan for Lincoln University in the Christchurch premier club competition.
She has also spent time on court with Te Paea Selby-Rickit who she shared the shooting circle with while living in Dunedin playing for Otago. The duo teamed up to help Otago win national titles before Grant moved north to Christchurch.
“I’ve played with Te Paea before but it’s usually the other way round with her at shooter and me at goal attack. But I certainly think it helped having those connections.
“I also think I’m a player who does better when put under pressure so I was just looking at giving it everything while I was on court and enjoying the opportunity.”
Grant now has a new juggle as she works a GP registrar and is mum to 16-month-old daughter, Maddie, while also making time to train with the Tactix.
“It has been a little bit hectic but I see it as a positive and it’s been really easy to come into the team – the girls have been so welcoming and inclusive.”
She has had family on hand to help with the sudden schedule change, her mum and dad travelling from Auckland to Nelson last Monday to help with Maddie and watch Grant’s debut.
“It’s all been a bit of a blur but I ‘m just so grateful for any opportunity coming my way and if it leads somewhere further then that would be a huge positive.”
The Good Oil Tactix meets the Splice Construction Magic at Trafalgar Centre in Nelson on Monday at 7.15pm.
