Ahead of our first home game we catch up with Trident Homes Tactix defender Kate Lloyd and what it means to the Canterbury born-and-bred netballer to play in front of home crowd.
Lloyd – who was a member of the NZU21 team which won the World Youth Cup in 2017 – has played 44 ANZ Premiership matches since being called into the Tactix as injury cover in 2017. She spent a season wearing the Magic dress before returning home to the Tactix in 2022.
The 26-year-old now teams up with Jane Watson and Karin Burger in the defensive circle for the 2023 ANZ Premiership.
Born in Ashburton and being a proud Cantabrian, what does it mean to you to be playing at Christchurch Arena on Sunday in front of a home crowd?
I absolutely love playing at Christchurch Arena – the atmosphere is amazing and our Tactix supporters are awesome, always getting behind us no matter what. I also have a great sense of pride playing at Christchurch Arena in front of my family and friends that come and support.
What motivates you?
Making my family and friends proud is a huge driver for me and also doing it for our loyal Tactix fans.
The Mystics had a strong opening round in the ANZ Premiership – what challenges will they bring to Round 2?
The obvious challenge is (1.93m shooter) Grace Nweke, but also their strong defensive unit of Sulu Fitzpatrick, Phoenix Karaka and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson will be just as tough on Sunday. Our previous games with the Mystics have always been a good match-up though so we’ll be looking to have consistency throughout all four quarters.
Do you have a pre-game routine?
I don’t have any real rituals for a pre-game – I’ll possibly grab a nap somewhere in the day, but other than that it’s a pretty mellow build-up for me.
What’s your favourite music to listen to before a game?
Whatever is playing in the sheds really – we have a joint playlist that we all add to, but it’s Vika (Koloto) and Parris (Petera) who supply the pre-game hype music.
How do you overcome nerves/pressure leading into an ANZ Premiership match?
I’m a pretty easy-going kind of person so I like to have fun and muck around before game time. I think that is where I get most of my nerves out. I have also learnt to channel that nervous energy into excitement so that I’m ready to take the court at any moment.
What’s your favourite pre-game food?
I love breakfast food before a game but recently crumpets with golden syrup have been a must in my pre-game meal.
- The Trident Homes Tactix meet the Mystics at Christchurch Arena on Sunday at 4pm, live on Sky TV
