Phoenix Karaka
Phoenix Karaka (born 6 November 1993) is a New Zealand-born professional netball player, who currently plays at both GK and GD for the Northern Mystics and NZ Silver Ferns.[1] Christine Papali’i is her mother.[2]
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Born |
Auckland, New Zealand | 6 November 1993||
Height | 186 cm (6 ft 1 in) | ||
School | Auckland Girls' Grammar School | ||
Netball career | |||
Playing position(s): GK, GD | |||
Years | Club team(s) | Apps | |
2013–2015 | Southern Steel | 32 | |
2016–present | MOJO Pulse | ||
Years | National team(s) | Caps | |
2010–2011 | NZ Secondary Schools | ||
2012–2013 | NZ Under21 | ||
2014–present | Silver Ferns | 34 | |
(Correct as of correct as of 22 November 2016) |
Career
Following her success at secondary school level at Auckland Girls' Grammar School, Karaka rose through the ranks at age group level as a part of both the NZ Secondary Schools and NZ Under-21 teams, including the victorious Under-21 side at the Youth World Cup in Glasgow in 2013.[1][3]
Karaka signed her first professional contract with the Invercargill-based Southern Steel for the 2013 ANZ Championship, and remained a part of the Steel for the next three seasons before signing with the MOJO Pulse in 2016 after consistently impressive performances, including being ranked 3rd overall for intercepts in the 2015 ANZ Championship.[4] She captained the Northern Mystics in the 2019-20 season [5] but pulled out the following year due to pregnancy [6]
International
Karaka made her debut for the Silver Ferns on their 2014 Tour of the UK where she was initially selected as a training partner, however was soon promoted to the main squad following injury concerns to Casey Kopua.[3] She participated in the exhibition games against Scotland and England A, before making her test debut off as a substitute in the final stages of the Silver Fern's 17-goal victory over England on 20 January 2014.[3] Karaka made a triumphant return after earning her spot in the Silver Ferns 2019 Netball World Cup winning team.[7] Karaka again returned following the birth of her daughter to the 2022 Netball Quad Series[8]
Personal life
Karakas partner is All Black Patrick Tuipulotu[9]
References
- "Player Details / Silver Ferns Netball". Retrieved 21 November 2016.
- Stanley, Ashley (13 May 2019). "ANZ Premiership: Phoenix Karaka rises from tough blow to lead the Mystics". Stuff. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- Burdon, Nathan (14 February 2014). "Phoenix Karaka ready to take risks on court". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
- "Phoenix Karaka Signs on for Mojo Pulse in 2016". Retrieved 21 November 2016.
- Phoenix Karaka
- Kiwi sporting couple Phoenix Karaka and Patrick Tuipulotu expecting first child
- Netball: Silver Ferns reveal 2019 Netball World Cup squad
- Karaka, Johnson back as Silver Ferns name quad series team
- Phoenix Karaka eager to back partner Patrick Tuipulotu's own World Cup bid - 'Hope I'm going to Tokyo!'