Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic co-captains Georgie Edgecombe (left) and Erena Mikaere. Photo / Jess Bicknell
When the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic take the court this season, they will do so under a new, shared leadership.
Co-captains Erena Mikaere and Georgie Edgecombe are stepping into the role after former captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio announced last year she would take a break from netball.
Mikaere and Edgecombe may come from different stages of their lives and careers, but together they are working to shape a culture that blends experience with emerging talent.
For Mikaere, leadership comes not just from what happens on the court.
The Rotorua-based defender juggles elite netball with family life, work and the daily logistics that come with being a mother to a teenage daughter.
Her weekly routine is split between team trainings in Tauranga and her own strength and conditioning work back home.
“It’s pretty jam-packed,” she told the Waikato All Sports Breakfast recently.
“You’re training on court three times a week, fitting in gym sessions where you can, and really only getting one proper rest day.”
And beyond the physical demands lies a deeper challenge: mental balance.
“There’s always that question: am I being a good mum while also giving enough to be the best athlete I can be?” Mikaere said.
“If things at home aren’t sorted, it’s hard to switch off and fully focus on netball.”
That awareness has shaped both her leadership and her personal goals this season.
Recently stepping into the co-captaincy role, Mikaere is focused on staying true to herself.
“My goal is to be authentically me and give myself permission to stand out,” she said.
“Whether that’s through passion, energy or encouraging my teammates, I just want to bring everything I have.”
It’s a philosophy grounded in years of experience, from being the ultimate team player early in her career to now leading from the front.
Alongside her stands Edgecombe, a product of the Waikato system who has spent nearly a decade with the Magic.
“It’s a real honour,” she said of her appointment.
“I’ve had some amazing captains to learn from over the years, so to be trusted with this role is pretty special.”
A former standout across multiple sports, Edgecombe ultimately chose netball for its clear pathway and professional opportunities, a decision that has paid off, she said.
Now an established midcourter, she brings versatility, workrate and a calm presence, whether at wing defence or centre.
“I’ve played a lot of wing defence, which I love, but centre’s a nice challenge, you get the ball in hand more and definitely do a few more laps,” she said.
The 2026 Magic squad reflect a changing landscape, with an influx of young talent emerging through New Zealand’s Under-21 ranks.
“It’s an exciting group,” Edgecombe said.
“There are some new faces, but also a lot of raw talent coming through. It feels like we’re building something for the future.”
Pre-season has already tested that potential, with the intensity ramping up as the opening round approaches.
The Magic are set to begin their campaign in mid-April against the Central Pulse in Wellington.
“It’s been a busy few months and it’s only getting busier,” Edgecombe said.
“But that’s what you want heading into a season.”
While their journeys differ, Mikaere and Edgecombe are united in how they view leadership: as a service.
For Edgecombe, that means keeping things simple.
“I want to do my job really well on court first,” she said.
“If I can play to my potential and help bring the best out of my teammates, then I’ll be happy.”
For Mikaere, it’s about connection, energy and setting the tone.
“I’m excited to lead alongside Georgie,” she said.
“She’s incredibly talented and leads with her heart.”
Together, the pair are guiding a team with a common goal.
As the new season looms, the Magic’s hopes won’t rest on results alone, Mikaere and Edgecombe said.
The team would also focus on the growth of a squad, culture, and two co-captains learning from each other.
Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio show Waikato All Sports Breakfast and a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a councillor on the Hamilton City Council.