Player Profile

Maria Tutaia
Positions: GA, GS.

The addition of stylish shooter Maria Tutaia is a major coup for the Magic heading into the 2008 season. After three years of deliberating the move, the Silver Ferns shooter has relocated from Auckland to the Magic franchise to coincide with the new competition. ``I am extremely excited now that I’m finally here,’’ Tutaia said. ``It’s a new campaign, a new challenge and a new team so I’m looking forward to it.’’ Tutaia, 21, is looking forward to enhancing her goal attack skills in particular, under the watchful eye of former Silver Ferns shooter and now Magic coach Noeline Taurua. Tutaia’s ability to turn and shoot from distance with accuracy sets her apart from other shooters. The naturally gifted shooter will help fill the void which has seen the Magic struggle for shooting depth at times in the past. Her addition to the team and combination with Irene van Dyk will give the Magic plenty of firepower under the hoop. A member of the New Zealand’s under-21 World Youth Cup-winning team in 2005, Tutaia will re-unite with Laura Langman and Casey Williams from that team at the Magic. Tutaia made her debut for the Silver Ferns in 2005 and her exciting potential is expected to be further tapped at her new environment.