Player Profile

Irene van Dyk
Positions: GS.

The elder stateswoman of the team at 35, super shooter Irene van Dyk shows no signs of slowing down. Van Dyk’s freakish abilities continue to rewrite the record books and in 2005 she completed another remarkable chapter in her glittering career by becoming the world’s most capped netballer. Van Dyk has an enviable international record which includes four world championships – two for her native South Africa and two for New Zealand. The world’s premier shooter is lining up for her sixth season with the Magic and while she has been doing it for a long time now, van Dyk remains passionate about her chosen sport. ``I love it,’’ she said. ``Once you get out there (on court), there’s no such feeling that can replace it.’’ Primed for another season, van Dyk said of the Magic, ``They’re a good bunch of girls, there’s a good variety of experience and youth – it’s a well balanced team. This new competition is an exciting development and to be playing against the best from New Zealand and Australia week-in week-out is going to be a huge challenge.’’ Van Dyk is fulsome in her praise for the Magic environment which she described as an extended family but which has the cutting edge when it matters.