The 26-year-old defender has represented South Africa at international level and joins Adelaide Thunderbirds from Surrey Storm in the UK Vitality Superleague, where she was awarded the 2019 Best and Fairest. She boasts significant experience that the club expects will complement young South Australian midcourt duo Kelly Altmann and Hannah Petty.
Shadine has recently been selected in the SPAR Proteas to represent South Africa at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool during July alongside a number Adelaide Thunderbirds players representing their country.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Shadine has arrived in Adelaide and will begin training with the team this week.
Quotes attributed to Shadine van der Merwe, Adelaide Thunderbirds replacement player
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to take the court with the Adelaide Thunderbirds.”
“I think having international experience playing against some of the best wing attacks in the world is a positive point for me.”
“It’s so exciting that I can play in the same team with them as well, with Chelsea Pitman I usually play against her and now I can play with her.”
“For me as a wing defence I want to do the work that makes the goal defence and goal keeper look good then I’ll be happy with that.”
“I’m super excited to be the left hand (to Layla Guscoth and Shamera Sterling) because I know they’re doing so well, and they are two talented players.”
“I play a man-on-man game and work hard on the body so that you can eliminate the wing attack so that she doesn’t get a lot of ball.”
“Stepping into that wing defence position, it’s big shoes to fill, especially after Beth got the injury, so for me stepping up I need to be there 110 per cent and just give my all.”
