Robinhood Stars and Silver Ferns wing attack Gina Crampton will miss next year’s ANZ Premiership and netball’s international season as she takes a break from the sport.
Crampton, who was a part of the Stars team which played in this season’s Premiership Grand Final, will head to the United States to join partner Fa’asiu Fuatai, a former All Blacks Sevens and NZ U20 rugby player, who is playing professionally in New York.
She was recently named in the Silver Ferns team to compete in next month’s Netball World Cup in South Africa but her absence from next year’s domestic league will rule her out of Silver Ferns contention in 2024.
Following a sabbatical at the end of last year, this will be the longest break she has had away from the netball court since starting her elite career with the Southern Steel in 2012 in the former trans-Tasman league and later in the ANZ Premiership. She made the move to the Stars for the 2021 season where she has been a key senior member of the side.
Crampton, 31, has played 147 national league games including the Grand Final against the Mystics.
Crampton says she enjoyed a special three years with the Stars.
“Not just because we’ve been relatively successful in terms of netball, but the people I’ve created great bonds and super friendships with made it enjoyable and fun which is what I love about the team.” Crampton said.
“You go through so much together and become so close, working towards a common goal with people you enjoy being around is the best job ever.”
The former Silver Ferns captain said netball remained on her radar but for now she was ready to turn her focus to other adventures.
“The last few years have been incredibly busy with some major netball campaigns and while I am ready for a break and not entirely sure what my netball future holds for me, I will continue to support both the Stars and Silver Ferns from afar.”
Stars coach Kiri Wills has praised the huge influence Crampton’s had during her time with the Stars.
“Gina is a true professional who works very hard. Her biggest impact is the professionalism she’s brought and also the ability to balance that with fun. If my daughter grows up to be like Gina, I’ll be a very proud mother. She’s been awesome for this team.” Wills said.
Crampton, who has 63 Test Caps, was a part of the Silver Ferns team which won the Netball World Cup in 2019 and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in 2022.
