Q&A with Casey Williams

Words: Dominique O’Brien

Being the captain of the one of the world’s most successful netball sides is a job that most young Kiwi netballers could only dream of. Local Waikato girl and self confessed sports nut Casey Williams is the 23rd captain of the New Zealand Silver Ferns. Judging from her list of career highlights overleaf, it is clear that 24-year-old Casey is no stranger to success. She captained her first game in 2008 against Australia, leading the team to victory after being down by eight goals in the first quarter. ALIVE magazine went courtside and threw a few questions at Casey about her early sporting days in the mighty Waikato, her captaincy, and of course how she keeps her busy schedule under control.

What was it like playing netball in the Waikato when you were growing up? Do you remember why/how you got into the sport and how old you were?

I first started playing netball when I was 8 and have ever since. The Waikato region is such an awesome region to be a part of – there is a strong support of sport here and it is a real heartland community. Waikato people are very welcoming and would do anything to help no matter what.

Was netball the first sport that you played?

I did a bit of everything, every sport there was, I’d be in there giving it a go!

Do you have any memories from your early netball days that have stuck by you throughout your career?

I remember playing outdoors on concrete in the freezing cold and always going to watch my mum play netball.

What has been the most memorable piece of advice that you have been given by a coach, team mate, or other mentor?

You’ll only get out what you put in! This pretty much came from mum and dad. We’ve just always grown up with sport.

How are you enjoying your captaincy?

I love it! It’s awesome – such an incredible privilege. It makes me so proud every time I get to lead the team out on to the court.

It must be difficult to obtain a reasonable work/health/life balance. What’s your secret to keeping it all under control?

With good time management and being organised. And you have to remember to always take time out for yourself and your family, otherwise it all gets a bit hectic.

What does a normal day for you consist of?

It’s off-season, summer, at the moment, but I pretty much do what everybody else does; I’m also still training once or twice a day. I’ve just put my study on hold, but at one stage I was working two jobs and training, however now I am fully committed to concentrating on my netball.

How do you spend your down time when you’re not playing netball?

I like going to the beach, or hanging out with friends and family. I love going out for dinner, or breakfast….or lunch! I really value just being able to sit down and relax.

Are there any other sports that you enjoy?

All of them!!!

What do you love most about netball, and what drives you to keep moving forward and keep improving?

Winning and the enjoyment factor. Netball provides you with so many opportunities that you would never have if you weren’t involved in sport. I also enjoy the travelling and making new friends.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

Making every team that I have, and managing to stay there. Winning the 2005 Youth championships in Miami, winning the Commonwealth Games in 2006. Being named ANZ Most Valuable Player in 2008. Being Captain of the Silver Ferns and of course every time we beat Australia!

And the most challenging part of being a netball representative?

For me, it’s definitely the time away. Family is the most important thing, because netball isn’t going to be there forever, but my family is. So being away is the hardest part.

Southern Cross is proud to have Casey Williams as an ambassador helping us pass on healthy messages to you. Visit the Southern Cross Healthzone section of the Netball New Zealand website www.mynetball.co.nz/healthzone to get more tips from Casey about nutrition, relaxation, balance, motivation and training. Netball is one of New Zealand’s largest participation sports. As part of our commitment to encourage healthy lifestyles for all New Zealanders Southern Cross is now an official sponsor of local netball at school and club level, U21 team, NZA and the Silver Ferns. From grass-roots, school and club competitions to high performance teams, netball embodies the health and wellness message that Southern Cross stands for.

If you or your family are on the netball court this season, you can promote good health through these Southern Cross initiatives:

Southern Cross Healthy Supporter competition
Role modelling healthy behaviour is just as important as healthy eating and activity. Nominate healthy netball supporters throughout the season on www.mynetball.co.nz/healthzone and be in to win a great prize!

Future Ferns

Young 8-10 year old netballers registered to play netball will soon be receiving a special skills booklet to help develop their netball skills. Visit www.mynetball.co.nz/healthzone for more details.

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