The Silver Fern and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist (2010) is one of the highest profile netballers in the world and is bringing her brand and style of play to the courts at Priceline Stadium in South Australia.
Head Coach Tania Obst announced the signing today of one of the games greatest goal shooters, to the Adelaide Thunderbirds for next season.
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“What a fantastic signing for our club, members and supporters for the 2019 season,” said Tania Obst.
Maria Folau said leaving home and her Mystic supporters was hard, but the challenge of playing with a new team is really exciting for her and she can’t wait to train with her new team mates.
“I will feel like a kid at a new school. I’m so excited to join the team, and really be challenged.”
“It will be a new team, new dynamics, new playing styles, so this is a real game-changer for me to challenge myself and play the best netball that I can,” said Maria Folau.
The prolific long range shooter will bring great experience, speed and ability to land the crucial goals in the net when it counts to the newly assembled team for 2019.
Head Coach Tania Obst said “Maria brings a wealth of experience and a world class quality to our team. The contribution she will make to our attacking end will be significant as well as the added value of working with our two young SA shooters.
The 2019 Adelaide Thunderbirds team brings with it high-performance, commitment, and a winning culture.
Tania Obst said, “For the Club, it sets us solidly on the path for long-term sustainability and success. Maria is an incredible player, a superior athlete and sets the Adelaide Thunderbirds up for a strong, successful and competitive season”.
Maria Folau will meet with the Adelaide Thunderbirds players and the off-court team in November 2018, as they start to work towards pre-season.
General Manager, Adelaide Thunderbirds and Elite Pathways, Melody Cooper said, “We have been unapologetic in our quest to re-set the Adelaide Thunderbirds for the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball season.
“We are focused, and determined to deliver change and have spoken often on the evolution of the Adelaide Thunderbirds which is now in motion. With Head Coach Tania Obst, we have taken on that challenge and delivered a strong team that is a threat next season.”
The final 10 squad team roster for the Adelaide Thunderbirds for the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball is:
Shamera Sterling, Kate Shimmin, Chelsea Pitman, Hannah Petty, Sasha Glasgow, Cody Lange, Kelly Altmann, Beth Cobden, Layla Guscoth, Maria Folau
