New Haier Pulse General Manager, Kyla Lange, has put the finishing touches to the Haier Pulse for the 2012 ANZ Championship, adding a strong management team to a dynamic new squad.
“I’m pleased to be able to finalise our wider team for 2012 and I am looking forward to our best season yet. We have already begun working together to build a solid foundation for next season and under Robyn Broughton’s experienced leadership I am confident that our cohesiveness will grow both on and off the court,” Lange said.
This season’s line-up includes four current Silver Ferns, Katrina Grant, Paula Griffin, Joline Henry and Camilla Lees, and Broughton is excited with the prospect of putting such an experienced and talented group of players on the court next year.
“The 2012 team and its environment will be a new experience for many of us, but a familiar environment for others,” she explained. “Whatever it is, I am sure we will all be sharing the same anticipation and excitement for the challenge ahead. The 2011 team played with desire and passion which are strengths we want to continue with.
“I am very confident that the 2012 team has considerable talent and experience. Combine this with careful preparation and personal and team commitment and we will have all the qualities to meet the challenge of the new season. I know we will do the very best we can.”
The players are joined by a revamped management team, which includes the recently appointed General Manager Kyla Lange and fellow newcomers Assistant Coach Marianne Delaney and Team Manager Jo Holmes.
“Our new management team is already proving to be a great unit, competent and professional, with the team at heart. I am so pleased we have the support they can provide for the team and players individually,” Broughton added
With Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua confirmed as the ‘Home of the Haier Pulse’, the team will continue to embrace the central region, beginning with the opening home game against Southern Steel in Napier in April, and a game against the Northern Mystics in Palmerston North later that month.
The action kicks-off with the ANZ Championship pre-season tournament in Tauranga between 2-4 March 2012.
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Haier Pulse Squad 2012
Amber Bellringer
Katarina Cooper
Katrina Grant
Paula Griffin
Jamilah Gupwell
Joline Henry
Camilla Lees
Ngarama Milner-Olsen
Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit
Victoria Smith
Caitlin Thwaites
Daya Wiffen (nee Pritchard)
Haier Pulse Team Management 2012
Head Coach Robyn Broughton
Assistant Coach Marianne Delaney
Manager Jo Holmes
Physiotherapist
Strength and Conditioning Coach Stephen Hotter
Haier Pulse Fixtures 2012
Sunday 1st April Mystics v Pulse Auckland, The Trusts Stadium
Saturday 7th April Pulse v Steel Napier, Pettigrew Green Arena (PGA)
Sunday 15th April Firebirds v Pulse Brisbane, Convention & Exhibition Centre
Monday 23rd April Pulse v Tactix Porirua, Te Rauparaha Arena (TRA)
Sunday 29th April Pulse v Mystics Palmerston North, Arena Manawatu (AM)
Sunday 6th May Swifts v Pulse Sydney, Olympic Sports Centre
Monday 14th May Pulse v WBOP Magic Porirua, TRA
Monday 21st May Pulse v Thunderbirds Wellington, TSB Bank Arena (TSB)
Monday 28th May Steel v Pulse Dunedin, Lion Foundation Arena
Sunday 3rd June Tactix v Pulse Christchurch, CBS Arena
Sunday 10th June WBOP Magic v Pulse Tauranga, TECT Arena
16th-18th June BYE
Monday 25th June Pulse v Vixens Porirua, TRA
Sunday 1st July Fever v Pulse Perth, Challenge Stadium