It’s been another top netball season for the Trident High School’s premier girl’s team.

After winning the local competition, the Baywide school grade and then finishing second in UNISS, Trident earned a spot at nationals for the second time where they finished down in the placings but learned a lot.

Coach Ngarori Waititi said it was a successful season, despite having lost four of their year 13 players from last year.

“We have managed to develop a strong year 10 and year 11 base while winning the Whakatāne Prem Competition and winning the Tauranga Secondary School Prem 1 Division while navigating some major injuries; making the finals at UNISS and making history by coming second competing against Mt Albert Grammar School, Avondale, Rangitoto and Westlake.”

She said the highlight was gaining entry to the New Zealand Secondary School Championships.

“Nationals was a major learning experience for our year 10s and year 11s on the court,” she said.

“We came 14th overall, but we left in a good place where our two experienced year 13s had an amazing tournament, really showcasing all their skills and competing against the country’s best players.

“We were so grateful for the opportunity to represent our zone, our region, our community, our school and our families.”

At nationals, Trident came up against Columba College and St Hilda’s, losing both matches.

Day two saw them draw with Wellington East Girls, then fall to St Andrew’s College, of Christchurch.

Day three was a battle against Queen Margaret College, which Trident managed to beat before losing to WAIBOP rivals Hamilton Girls.

The final day saw them face St Hilda’s again and fall short.

She said there was a sense of disappointment among some in the squad at the placing.

“My year 13s were quite upset alongside us that we didn’t place higher but that is sports, and sometimes seeing players and coaches dealing with loss or disappointment is a good thing for us as people and for our character.”

Ngarori, who coaches alongside Te Ahuru Waititi, believes one of the reasons they are successful is because of their focus on values.

“Are we doing the right thing even when someone is not watching? Co-operation – are we working together for the common vision/goals or are we jealous and competing toxically amongst ourselves? Humanity – is what we are doing contributing positively to my teammates, my family, my community, society and then humanity?”

She said they were always looking for ways to improve.

“As netballers and coaches, we are avid learners of the game, problem solvers, go about addressing issues on court during the games and immediately stopping the issues presenting again.

“We are extremely honest and reflective of what we produce on court and know the standard we need to be to compete at U16, U18, levels and within local competitions, zone and UNISS, along with more appearances at NZSS.”

Tournaments and trips away can be expensive but to keep costs down and the team unity tight, they stay in marae, with whānau, children and grandparents also welcome.

“They have never been a distraction because they are all in and they see their child’s sacrifices they make throughout the year, from early morning trainings, late night trainings, tournaments, two competitions over in Tauranga every week during the season.”

“They are also present through some very hard and firm talks to ensure our players are giving everything they potentially can.

“We believe in them and they just need direction.”

Waititi enjoys watching the girls develop into better netballers.

“We come back because we love to see kids we know and have seen grow up, some since they were born, take on the country’s top schools, players or regions and really compete against them, beat them, and win.

“Even when we don’t win, we win by overcoming challenges and getting back up again and trying again. This mentality makes for strong character.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are times when it’s just all so much and we all just want to quit … It’s not all roses and butterflies; it’s a real struggle sometimes to go through the grind and to be down in the trenches, especially when things are not going right on court, our wellbeing is not being taken care of or pressures of life kick in.

“But we are each other’s best support network and harshest critics, and we also only surround ourselves with honest people who we know put our girls and their goals before any self-gain.”