2023 Season Preview: Mystics

With the backdrop of familiarity, Tia Winikerei couldn’t have asked for a better foundation as she ushers in a new era as head coach of the MG Mystics in 2023.

The only new head coach for this year’s ANZ Premiership league, Winikerei has been heavily involved with the Mystics in recent seasons, holding the apprentice coach role for the past two years, and now well-prepared to step up and into the hot seat.

Familiarity with the environment and personnel along with extensive ground work laid through supportive development over the years, Winikerei also has the bonus of the core of her experienced squad returning from last season.

“From the stability point of view, it’s gold, and from retaining the Mystics way, that’s also a real advantage,” she said.

With the rock-solid Sulu Fitzpatrick, Phoenix Karaka, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and exciting young talent Carys Stythe, the Mystics have a strong defensive presence.

At the other end of the court, outstanding shooter Grace Nweke continues to grow her game and is a huge threat with her prolific scoring ability. Under the hoop, she has strong allies in the form of Filda Vui and Monica Falkner while midcourters Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle are expert distributors to the towering shooter.

“We do have plenty of options, our desire and our job are to prepare all of our players to play in any moment in time, so the players we’ve got in our team are capable of doing the job that we need them to do,” Winikerei said.

“However, there are a number of the other teams who have equally strong rosters in 2023 and I think the competition will be really exciting. Everybody will have to work really hard to fight for the top two positions.”

With key personnel and experience across all areas of the court, the Mystics shape as a formidable opponent, the coach mindful of staying true to the team values while also flexing their collective muscle via a rich talent pool.

“Because they’re an established group, there’s more people that are here than haven’t been here, it’s important to retain the Mystics ways, yet within that we’re developing new ways both to play and to be as a group.

“The group expects nothing less. It’s not a group that wants to sit in the same place and as the leader of that group, it’s important we test ourselves beyond where we’ve been before and develop ways to extend our game style and way of being.”

Earning a contract part-way through last season, young defender Stythe made a sizeable impact and there is an excited buzz about her continued growth.

“Carys has got loads of potential and every day in the training environment is a day of learning for her.

“She’s going to keep stretching this season and beyond, knowing what’s possible from her is something that will develop in the years to come.”

In a team brimming with talent, the only real newcomer is Katie Te Ao, a former Magic training partner, who has transitioned from circle defender to the midcourt since her school days and will be employed mainly as a defensive midcourter in the Mystics set-up.

“Katie has slotted into our team really well,” Winikerei said.

“She’s an incredibly athletic youngster, is growing every day and is another exciting prospect for us to build into our squad going forward.”