Injured Fern looks forward

Silver Fern Michaela Sokolich-Beatson of Arkles Bay has experienced the highs and lows of professional sport since she was selected for the Mystics in 2016 and went on to join the Silver Ferns.

She is taking her most recent setback – a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon – with her trademark stoicism although it was obviously a huge shock.

It was during the preparation for the Nations Cup, in January in the UK, that the defender went to change direction and felt as though someone had kicked her in the Achilles.

“I turned to see who was there and there was no one. Straight away I knew I had ruptured it,” Michaela says. “I limped off and you could see this big hole in my right leg where the tendon was no longer attached. I knew my season was over.”

Michaela says she had seen the Nations Cup, which took place six months after the Silver Ferns’ World Cup win, as a chance to cement her place in the team.

“The timing could not have been worse,” she says.

An operation followed, and she is now in the midst of recovery, which involves regular bike riding to strengthen the legs, rehab three-four times a week and a half-hour daily walk.

Even that short walk is still difficult. Michaela also says she has effectively been living a life of lockdown for months, as she was only able to drive again a few weeks ago.

“You have to almost learn how to walk again. I was in a moon boot and on crutches for so long and couldn’t weight bear, so I lost calf muscle strength.”

She says her physio is pleased with her progress. She remains contracted to the Mystics, but says it will be towards the end of the year before she can begin training again.

Netball training recently recommenced, with NZ Netball guidelines stating that competitive play can resume from June 19, including the ANZ Championship.

“I’m a couch cheerleader because there are strict rules about how many people can be in the space with the players, coach and physio.”

Never has she been so grateful to have a backup – Michaela is currently in her final year of PE study.

“I’m so thankful I have my study because this showed me my career can be over at any time and if I can’t do netball I have something else. But netball is definitely my single most important goal and I want to be back playing next year. Fingers crossed it’s all good from here.”