Mystics' newest team member moves closer to home

Ararua's Jessica Moulds is the latest Northern Mystics netball signing for 2011 after a stunning season for the New Zealand Under-21s and Otago province.
Although the Otago University nutrition student received interest from other ANZ Netball franchises, there was no doubt in her mind about accepting the offer from the Mystics.
"It's closer to home, it's warmer weather up there and I think you are more dedicated when you are playing for your home province," she said from her current home in Dunedin.
Throughout the year, selectors kept a close eye on the goal defence/goal keep, who captained the NZ Under-21s when they travelled to Australia for a series of matches. It was her third consecutive year playing for the side.
The 20 year old is currently playing for Otago in the National Provincial Championships, with finals in Auckland looming at the end of October.
"The news hasn't really sunk in yet, I have so much to do before I leave Dunedin ... but it's in the back of my mind and I'm training hard - six or seven times a week with my under-21 New Zealand trainer Chris Donaldson to get ready for that step up."
Following the conclusion of the NPC, Moulds will sit the final exams of her three-year nutrition degree in early November, after which she will move north and join up with the Mystics squad, who are based in Auckland.
Next year, Moulds was planning to do postgraduate studies in dietetics, but she may have to tweak that plan now.
"I will still apply for dietetics and if I get in, I will see how they can accommodate me - and if I could do it part time ... the Mystics will be full on and I wouldn't be able to study full time," she said.
Moulds comes into the squad during a transition period - with Deb Fuller taking over the coaching reins after Te Aroha Keenan resigned earlier this year.
After quitting beach volleyball and making her comeback to netball with the Silver Ferns recently, Anna Scarlett has also signed with the Mystics for 2011, and Moulds was excited about playing alongside the fellow defender. "She is really experienced ... I'm looking forward to learning off her as she is one of the country's best defenders," Moulds said.
Moulds' parents Madelaine and Mike Moulds, who own a dairy farm at Ararua near Matakohe, were "stoked to have their daughter moving closer to home" and while she was very excited about returning north and starting her campaign with the Mystics, Moulds had mixed feelings about leaving Dunedin.
"It's pretty sad leaving Dunedin as it's been my home for the last three years - I love it down here, despite the weather. I've played in netball teams with most of the same girls during that time, and they are like family."
The new ANZ Netball Championships season starts on February 13, 2011.
Northern Mystics Squad for 2011 to date: Temepara George, Maria Tutaia, Cathrine Latu, Joline Henry, Anna Scarlett, Grace Rasmussen, Rachel Rasmussen, Jessica Moulds, Bailey Mes, Kayla Cullen, plus two to be named.