From Grassroots to Greatness: Karin Burger

Tactix Defender Karin Burger on Changing Her Whole Life to Chase Her Netball Dreams and the Secret to Great Netball!

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!

Superstar defender Karin Burger’s netball journey began thousands of kms away in South Africa – but it’s been in New Zealand where the talented athlete has found her groove as one of the nation’s best netballers. Karin here tells of finding a new tribe in Aotearoa, and why she things netball clubs are the key to community.

What was your first netball memory? 

For me it was playing on the sidelines of the court as kids while Mum was playing at the local netball club. 

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

I've known netball all my life and grew up around it. It was just natural for me to play as well. 

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

I played for my primary school in South Africa where Mum was also my grade 1 teacher (but not coach). In New Zealand my first netball club was NaeNae Collegians in Lower Hutt. 

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? 

Yes, I am still connected with my club NNCU. They took me in when I first arrived in New Zealand and from the get-go I could feel the compassion and care they have for their players. Nurturing and supporting them whether it's to play socially or compete for higher honours. 

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

In school, making the decision to move to New Zealand I knew it could be a possibility. If I had stayed in South Africa I probably would not have continued playing so the move to New Zealand helped me realise that it was a potential career path for me. 

What part about netball brings you the greatest joy today?  

There's two parts to this for me. One, I love the competitiveness and constant development of my physical and mental capabilities. And two, the connections I build with friends that last a lifetime as well as connections that help me in my professional life with opportunities to further my professional career.  

What has netball taught you about life in general? 

Just because you want it that bad doesn't mean you'll get it. It requires a lot of work and still, sometimes, it might not go your way. But enjoy the journey, keep striving to be a better version of yourself and regardless of the outcome, you'll have learned and developed throughout the process. 

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? 

Yes, there are a few key people, hence my appreciation! In terms of grassroots and people who continuously pour their time and effort into young netballers I would like to acknowledge Joanne Paroa and Lynette Imrie from NNCU in Lower Hutt. There's a few more names I can mention but the list will get too long. It just shows you how many good-hearted people there are out there in the netball community. 

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

I grew up in a small town and had to put myself out there in the bigger schools and districts to be seen and selected. I feel that prepared me well for my move to New Zealand in having to start fresh and unknown again and working my way up the ladder. My journey in South Africa was similar to that in New Zealand. I started in a small, supportive community and put myself in vulnerable positions sometimes but it all helped me be a better player and person for it. 

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

I reminisce on my playing days and would encourage them to remember to enjoy it all. Even though a lot of it is played outside and there might be some grumbling, those are some of my fondest memories growing up, especially at tournaments with my friends!