- DOB: 11/10/1990
- Height: 178cm
A product of Motueka High School, near Nelson, rock-solid midcourter Shannon Francois joined the Steel in 2012. She has been a permanent fixture since and has continued to thrive in the environment, topping her performance levels in 2021 when taking over the captaincy of a young team with impressive results. Saunders has continued to showcase the drive and athletic ability that led to her first Silver Ferns call-up in 2013. A tireless, no-frills type of player, Saunders is a whole-hearted performer who can match it with the best through her dogged determination, relentless commitment, fitness and ability to execute. Coming into her 11th year with the Steel, Saunders offers invaluable experience and strong leadership to the side. Saunders was a member of the victorious 2019 Silver Ferns World Cup-winning team.