The GIANTS wish Sam Winders all the best after she informed the club she will be returning to New Zealand after a season in Suncorp Super Netball.
Winders joined the club ahead of season 2024, embarking on a new challenge and chapter following 10 seasons in the ANZ Premiership league.
The 29-year-old became the first New Zealander to sign with the club, crossing the ditch to reunite with her former Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald.
The former Silver Fern made her GIANTS debut in the opening round fixture against the West Coast Fever, etching her name in the history books as GIANT #30.
The tenacious and versatile midcourter played 12 games for the club with the round 13 fixture seeing the kiwi bring up her 150th National League cap.
Reflecting on her time at the club, she described the past six months as a whirlwind.
“I crammed so much into the six months, totally embraced it all and looking back I've just made so many memories and I think that’s the best thing,” she said.
“I got to experience playing netball in Australia – playing against the Australian style week in week out which was awesome – and I got to experience something I have never done before.”
The 29-year-old said she is content with her decision to return home after initially signing a one-year contract.
“It’s always a difficult time of the year trying to figure out what is right for you, and I always go into a team with the intention that I’m not just there for a one season stint so that was always in the back of my end,” Winders said.
“When it came to the end of the season, I really needed to consider two things - my life outside of netball and what was best for me, and also at this age and stage of my career netball-wise I just want to be playing, so I needed to consider those two things and that helped me come to my decision that heading home was the best decision.
“I’m in a good place with the decision and it’s easy to make a decision when you know what is important to you.”
What is next for the former Silver Fern is still undecided, but she certainly still feels like she’s got more to give.
“I definitely haven’t made any sort of decisions yet,” she said.
“But when I had my last meeting with Julie and the performance team we spoke about my physical capabilities and my netball abilities and we all kind of agreed that it would be a shame if I stopped playing.
“I definitely feel like I’ve got more to give the sport and I still have a real deep passion for it. I love my job and love what I do so, if I have an opportunity to play at this level, I'm still going to keep going I think.”
When asked what memories she would hold most fondly, two things stuck out.
“Probably the first moment I stepped into GIANTS headquarters – that was pretty overwhelming. Just super impressive facilities and an amazing gym and I just love that part of it,” she said.
“And also, probably that first Lightning game. The shambles that it was but then being able to get back out on court and play and win that game. My parents were there, my grandparents were there and that was 100 per cent a highlight.”
Her gratitude to the club shone through.
“Firstly, and foremostly thank you to the team for being so welcoming and loving. Within the bunch of girls there is just so much love. In the kiwi culture the term aroha is used a lot and that just basically means love and manawa which means heart as well and I think those are two big parts of the GIANTS culture that I'll always be grateful for, the players and the management alike,” she said.
“Obviously thank you to Jules for the opportunity to come out here, for picking up the phone and asking me to come and a huge thank you to all the support staff and staff at GIANTS who helped me out throughout my time at the club.
“And finally thank you to the fans who make it so fun. I just really love netball fans, there is just something about them and especially passionate netball fans and I think this is the category GIANTS fans fit into. Fans who love you for who you are and as a netballer and all they want to see is people go out there and put their heart and soul into the game.”
GIANTS head coach Julie Fitzgerald thanked Sam for her time and service to the club.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with Sam this season and I sincerely hope she enjoyed this chapter in her professional netball career,” Fitzgerald said.
“From the moment Sam joined the team she brought a blend of professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication that complemented our culture.
“As she returns home to embark on her next chapter, I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for her service. Her legacy with the club will be fondly remembered and she will forever leave her mark on our club.”
