Player Profile

Nicola Cooney
Positions: GD, GK,WD, C.

Returning to elite level netball after a five-year break, versatile sportswoman Nicola Cooney has made the most of her renaissance during the past two years with the Magic. A talented athlete, Cooney has made a strong contribution to the Magic’s depth and resources through her ability to play a number of positions. After a successful stint as a rower, a return to club netball three years ago inspired Cooney, 29, to give the top flight another crack. Impressed with Cooney’s gritty attitude and high level of fitness, Magic coach Noeline Taurua has been well rewarded after selecting her on gut instinct. Cooney has thrived in the Magic environment and on the Taurua approach where she has made huge strides in developing her game. ``It’s nice to be with Noeline who has the confidence in her whole team, including the bench, and when opportunities come is making sure that everybody is getting court time and getting the experience,’’ she said. ``That’s where as a franchise you grow, when you’re giving younger players and people within your team those opportunities to get on and grow within themselves instead of sitting there and watching.’’ Originally from Waimate, in South Canterbury, Cooney has lived in Cambridge for the last five years where she is a primary school teacher. players.’’