From Grassroots to Greatness: Holly Rae (nee Fowler)

Mystics Star Holly Rae (nee Fowler) on Passion, Hard Work and Enjoying the Process 

We’ve all got to start somewhere, and that adage is no different for our best and brightest netball superstars! From their humble roots at their local netball centre through to making it as a professional, all netty players share the same love for the game that was born through their childhood experiences on the courts. We take a trip back down memory lane with some of our ANZ Premiership legends to hear their own origin stories! 

Holly Rae, nee Fowler, has made her mark in every team she’s been in, with stints at the Stars, Magic and now the Mystics. The Aucklander can switch between defence and the midcourt with ease, and her wicked skills make an immediate impact in any game. But, like all netball players, her beginnings were just like ours! 

Hi Holly! What was your first netball memory?

Playing netball for Pt Chevalier Primary School alongside my little brother. Those early games were so much fun, and really sparked my love for the game.

Can you remember why you wanted to play in the first place?

I wanted to play because my older sister did - I always wanted to do everything she did! She was a big inspiration for me growing up.

Where did you play your first netball, and do you still have ties to your childhood netball centre?

I played my first netball games for Pt Chevalier Primary, and we were based at Netball Waitākere - where the Mystics are now based for training, so it’s a bit full-circle!

Netball clubs are so important around Aotearoa – they help make up the fabric of the community and allow people to gather and make connections. Do you have any fond memories of yours?

Absolutely. I've moved between a few different clubs over the years, depending on schooling, but my fondest memories are with the MAGS Jackals. It's a MAGS Old Girls’ club, and it’s always so special catching up and playing alongside old high school friends.

Can you remember the moment when you decided that you wanted to play netball as a profession?

It wasn’t just one moment, it was more a feeling that grew over time. As I got older and started making representative teams, I realised how much I loved the challenge and competitiveness of the sport. By the time I made the New Zealand Secondary Schools team, I knew I wanted to take it as far as I could and see how good I could become.

What part about netball brings you the greatest joy today?

The constant challenge of pushing myself to be better, and the incredible friendships I've made along the way. The relationships and memories are something I’ll always cherish.

What has netball taught you about life in general?

Netball has taught me resilience, passion, and organisation, skills that have been just as important off the court as they are on it.

Greatness always begins at the grassroots level, and there are so many amazing volunteers and coaches and officials that give up their time across the country to make sure kids can play netball. Do you want to shout out anyone from your life who made a difference, and why?

Definitely. There are so many people who have helped shape me into the player and person I am today  from coaches, to mentors, to teammates. I’m incredibly grateful for all the time and energy they gave me.

How have your early playing days helped shape you into the player you are today?

Those early days taught me the importance of passion, hard work, and enjoying the process. They laid the foundation for the player and teammate I am today.

When you look at kids playing netball today, what are your thoughts?

It’s so heartwarming to see how much kids enjoy the sport. I love watching how netball brings so much joy to young players and how it's embraced at all levels across the country