Elite netballer a good (Monash) sport
Image source: iStock
When the Melbourne Vixens beat the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Trans Tasman semi-final on Sunday night they had their rookie shooter, a Monash University staff member, to thank.
Karyn Howarth, an administrative assistant at Monash Sport, led the Melbourne Vixens to a six-point victory, scoring 33 of their 56 points playing in the goal shooter position.
“It was always going to be a tough task playing the Mystics, but full credit to the girls - we came together and got the result we wanted,” Karyn said.
“We didn’t get the start that we wanted and were down by six coming into the third quarter but our defence end gave us the opportunities with the turnovers, and the attack end rewarded them.”
Karyn has been working for the University with Monash Sport for almost five years and admits that juggling a full-time job with professional sport isn’t easy.
“The Melbourne Vixens typically train six days a week and play on the seventh day. Although it can be quite intense with work, I am extremely lucky that Monash Sport is flexible and do their best to accommodate my sporting career,” Karyn said.
Starting her national netball career in Queensland, Karyn moved to the Vixens at the start of this year and had a phenomenal debut, pulling the side across the line against her old team, the Queensland Firebirds.
Karyn exhibits accuracy and precision in front of goal, creates space with ease and works extremely hard on transition. She has added a new dimension to the Vixens’ shooting circle and flexibility to the Vixens’ side.
“I’ve also represented Monash for the past five years in the Monash University Central netball team. I’ve been part of the successful grand final wins in 2008 and 2011 teams, and the runner up team in 2010. We have an opportunity to add to this collection next month,” Karyn said.
The Vixens are now preparing for the ANZ Series grand final, to be held on Sunday 22 July at Hisense Arena.
“Even though we have a weekend off whilst we wait to see who we will be playing in the finals, training is remaining the same and we are trying to stick to routine,” Karyn said.