Vixen makes Diamonds squad
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The Melbourne Vixens' rookie shooter, a Monash University staff member, has been selected for the 22-strong Australian Diamonds netball squad.
After a sensational season with the Melbourne Vixens, Karyn Howarth, an administrative assistant at Monash Sport, caught the eye of Diamonds coach, Lisa Alexander.
The Vixens lost their ANZ Trans Tasman grand final last weekend to New Zealand’s Magic in Melbourne.
“It was certainly a bitter-sweet feeling, after coming off a loss in our grand final only two days prior to the news that I had been selected,” Karyn said.
“It was a big surprise, and after the reality had sunk in, along with numerous readings of the congratulatory email, I was ecstatic.”
Karyn had led the Vixens through the season, playing in the goal shooter position and adding a new dimension to the Vixens’ shooting circle and flexibility to the side. She was selected for the Diamond squad alongside her fellow Vixen Tegan Caldwell.
The 22-player squad will attend a selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) where a team for the first international series against New Zealand will be named.
“Getting the opportunity to train under Lisa Alexander, as well as train and play with 21 of Australia’s best netballers will be such an amazing experience,” Karyn said.
“It will give me an understanding of the standard needed to be achieved if I am to be considered in the team.”
Karyn and the 21 other players selected will be training at the AIS from 8-11 August 2012.