Halpenny Still Pinching Herself

It’s been a crazy month for new Silver Ferns shooter Ellen Halpenny, the only new face in the team named for the Commonwealth Games later this month.

 With the retirement from international Netball of incumbent shooter Irene van Dyk, Halpenny is seizing the opportunity to ensure her inclusion is not just a one-off thing.

In camp this week, the Silver Ferns have barely had a moment to stop and think due to the huge workload they been carrying over the five days.

Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu says the volume of work this week meant that the team has had no choice but to focus on getting through things.

Halpenny was one of the main focuses of the strong media contingent which turned up to their penultimate media session on Thursday morning before the team leave for the UK.

Taumaunu says the team, minus Magic players Casey Kopua, Leana de Bruin and Halpenny have been in training for two weeks so it’s taken a little time for Halpenny to learn the ropes, which is to be expected.

“We’ve only had one game so far, so largely court sessions and drills rather than games, but she’s slotted in pretty well. Wednesday I thought there was no change in the scoring rate or volume when she was on the court so that’s the best indicator for us.”

“It’s a tough ask for her, but her shooting accuracy holds up.

“The rest of it, she’s having to learn a lot and make some adjustments but she shoots well and she goes to the post and those are the reasons we picked her and they’re still there.”

“Ellen’s got a good game sense.”

For the 24-year old, the Commonwealth Games experience will contain a lot of firsts, having never been to Scotland or played in a test match before.

“No, I’ve never been to Scotland,” she said.

“To be honest, it’s only just starting to sink in, but I’m still enjoying the ride and not taking any of it for granted.”

Halpenny is enjoying the Silver Ferns environment and says it’s a step up from what she’s been used to.

“It’s a culture where everyone respects everybody and pushes people to perform at their best.”

Taking shooting sessions with Ferns assistant coach Vicki Wilson has been an eye-opener for Halpenny as well.

“It’s a real privilege to work with someone with the experience Vicki has. I’m just trying to be like a sponge and soak it all up.”

Halpenny is taking plenty of support with her to Glasgow with her brother, mother and father making the journey to support the team. 

“My grandparents who live in the UK are also coming along, so I’m very lucky.”