Kate Heffernan Explained

Kate Heffernan
Full Name:Kate Alexandra Heffernan
Birth Date:7 October 1999
Birth Place:Invercargill, New Zealand[1]
Relatives:Annette Heffernan (mother)
Georgia Heffernan (sister)
Maxine Blomquist (aunt)
Shirley Langrope (cousin)
Height:1.81m
School:St Hilda's Collegiate School
University:University of Otago
Positions:WD, C, WA
Clubyears1:2017–2019
Clubteam1:Netball South
Clubyears2:2018–
Clubteam2:Southern Steel
Nationalteam1:New Zealand
Nationalyears1:2022–
Nationalcaps1:34

Kate Alexandra Heffernan (born 7 October 1999) is a New Zealand netball international and former cricketer. She represented the New Zealand national netball team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup. She captained New Zealand at the 2024 Netball Nations Cup. In 2018, she also made two appearances for the New Zealand women's national cricket team.

Heffernan comes from a family of netball internationals: at the 2024 Netball Nations Cup, herself and her sister, Georgia Heffernan, became the third set of sisters to play international netball for New Zealand. Her mother, Annette Heffernan and her aunt, Maxine Blomquist, were the first set. However, the Heffernan sisters are the first sisters to actually play in the same team at the same time. A cousin, Shirley Langrope, was also a New Zealand netball international. As well as playing netball together for New Zealand, the Heffernan sisters have played together in several teams, including the Southern Steel netball team and the Otago Sparks women's cricket team.

Early life, family and education

Heffernan is the daughter of Noel and Annette Heffernan. Her mother, her aunt, Maxine Blomquist, her sister, Georgia Heffernan and a cousin, Shirley Langrope, are all New Zealand netball internationals. Her father played rugby union for Canterbury Country.[2] [3] [4] [5] The Heffernan family live on their sheep and beef farm, near Tapanui, West Otago.[6] The Heffernan sisters attended Tapanui's Blue Mountain College[7] and St Hilda's Collegiate School.[8] [9] Kate attended the University of Otago, where she studied psychology.[4] [10]

Cricket

Female:true
Country:New Zealand
Batting:Right-handed
Bowling:Left-arm medium-fast
Role:Bowler
International:true
Internationalspan:2018
T20idebutdate:16 March
T20idebutyear:2018
T20idebutagainst:West Indies
T20icap:50
Lastt20idate:20 March
Lastt20iyear:2018
Lastt20iagainst:West Indies
Club1:Otago Sparks
Columns:3
Column1:WT20I
Matches1:2
Runs1:–
Bat Avg1:–
100S/50S1:–
Top Score1:–
Deliveries1:36
Wickets1:1
Bowl Avg1:29.00
Fivefor1:0
Tenfor1:0
Best Bowling1:1/14
Catches/Stumpings1:0/–
Column2:WLA
Matches2:11
Runs2:61
Bat Avg2:12.20
100S/50S2:0/0
Top Score2:20
Deliveries2:510
Wickets2:6
Bowl Avg2:60.00
Fivefor2:0
Tenfor2:0
Best Bowling2:2/35
Catches/Stumpings2:1/–
Column3:WT20
Matches3:19
Runs3:8
Bat Avg3:4.00
100S/50S3:0/0
Top Score3:4
Deliveries3:408
Wickets3:13
Bowl Avg3:27.84
Fivefor3:0
Tenfor3:0
Best Bowling3:4/21
Catches/Stumpings3:5/–
Source:https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1763/1763614/1763614.html CricketArchive
Date:17 August
Year:2021

Early years

Heffernan represented Otago at under-15 and under-16 levels.[7] She and Georgia Heffernan also won national titles representing St Hilda's Collegiate School.[9] [11] [12]

Otago Sparks

Between 2016 and 2019, Heffernan played as a left-arm medium bowler for Otago Sparks. She played 28 matches for Sparks.[13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] She was a member of the Sparks team that won the 2016–17 New Zealand Women's Twenty20 Competition. In the final against Canterbury Magicians, Heffernan took 4–21 off her four overs.[19] Her 2018 Sparks team mates included her sister, Georgia Heffernan.[12] [16] [20]

New Zealand

In February 2018, Heffernan was called up to play for New Zealand.[21] [22] [23] She subsequently made two women's Twenty20 international appearances.[13] [6] [24] [25] On 16 March 2018 she made her WT20I debut against the West Indies during their tour of New Zealand.[26] [27] [28] On 20 March 2018 she made a second appearance against the same opponents.[13] [24]

Netball

St Hilda's

In 2016 and 2017, the Heffernan sisters were members of the St Hilda's Collegiate School team that won back-to-back South Island secondary school netball titles. 2016 was the first time St Hilda's had reached the final five stage and final of the tournament.[8] [29] [30] [31] [32] In 2016 the St Hilda's team assistant coach was their mother, Annette Heffernan.[8]

Netball South

Between 2017 and 2019, the Heffernan sisters played for Netball South in the National Netball League.[33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] Ahead of the 2018 season, while playing for Netball South, they were also named as training partners for Southern Steel.[32] [39]

Southern Steel

Since 2018, Heffernan has played for Southern Steel.[40] On 11 June 2018, she made her senior debut for Steel in a Round 6 match against Mainland Tactix. She joined Steel as a replacement for an injured Dani Gray and received a contract for the remainder of the season.[41] [42] [43] She was a fringe member of the Steel team that won the 2018 ANZ Premiership.[44] [45] However, she subsequently established herself as senior member of the Steel team. She initially played for Steel at wing defence before switching to centre for the 2021 season.[10] [18] [45] [46] [47] Her sister, Georgia Heffernan, also plays for Steel.[48] [49] [50]

ANZ Premiership statistics|- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2018|style="text-align:center;"|Steel|0/0||?||0||6||?||0||8||10||1||4 |- style="background-color: #eaeaea"! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2019|style="text-align:center;"|Steel|0/0||16||0||51||38||22||20||118||8||16 |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2020|style="text-align:center;"|Steel|0/0||14||0||69||21||18||36||101||12||14 |- style="background-color: #eaeaea"! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2021|style="text-align:center;"|Steel|0/0||133||0||11||298||25||39||134||54||16 |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2022|style="text-align:center;"|Steel|0/0||172||0||41||333||24||41||103||47||15|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2023|style="text-align:center;"|Steel|0/0||?||0||23||366||26||37||97||46||15|- class="sortbottom"! colspan=2| Career! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! |}

New Zealand

In August 2021, Heffernan was included in the 2021–22 New Zealand squad.[51] [52] [53] She was subsequently included in the squad for the 2021 Taini Jamison Trophy Series, but didn't get on court.[18] [54] [55] On 12 October 2021, she made her unofficial debut for New Zealand against Aotearoa Men.[18] [56] She was included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games squad[57] and, on 30 July 2022, she eventually made her senior debut in New Zealand's opening match against Northern Ireland.[58] [59] In just her sixth test, she helped New Zealand win the bronze medal.[60] She went on to represent New Zealand at the 2023 Netball World Cup and was named Midcourter of the Tournament.[25] [61] [62] [63]

Ahead of the 2024 Netball Nations Cup, Heffernan was named vice-captain to Phoenix Karaka.[64] [65] During the tournament Georgia Heffernan made her senior debut for New Zealand against Australia. The Heffernan sisters now became the third set of sisters to play international netball for New Zealand. The first set were their mother and aunt, Annette Heffernan and Maxine Blomquist. However, the Heffernan sisters are the first sisters to actually play in the same team at the same time.[5] [66] [67] On 22 January 2024, Heffernan captained New Zealand in the match against Uganda.[68] [69]

TournamentsPlace
2021 Taini Jamison Trophy Series2nd
2022 Commonwealth Games
2022 Taini Jamison Trophy Series[70] 1st
2022 Constellation Cup[71] 2nd
2023 Netball Quad Series[72] [73] 2nd
2023 Netball World Cup4th
2023 Taini Jamison Trophy Series[74] [75] [76] 1st
2023 Constellation Cup[77] 2nd
2024 Netball Nations Cup3rd

Honours

Netball

New Zealand
Southern Steel

Cricket

Otago Sparks

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ANZ Premiership 2021 Media Guide. anzpremiership.co.nz. 14 August 2022. 15 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221015135706/http://anzpremiership.co.nz/Images/Assets/148826/1/ANZP%202021%20MEDIA%20GUIDE%20FINAL.pdf. dead.
  2. Web site: Annette Heffernan. www.silverferns.co.nz. 10 December 2021.
  3. Web site: History set to repeat for netball's Heffernan clan. newsroom.co.nz. 26 July 2022. 27 January 2024.
  4. Web site: Heffernan twins join forces on court. www.southlandsport.com. 24 June 2020. 26 January 2024.
  5. Web site: Newest Silver Fern shocked by call-up against world champs. www.rnz.co.nz. 25 January 2024. 27 January 2024.
  6. Web site: Brendon Egan. The moment that helped Silver Fern Kate Heffernan choose netball over cricket. stuff.co.nz. 14 July 2023. 29 January 2024.
  7. Web site: Talented twins juggling sports and loving it. www.odt.co.nz. 9 July 2014. 29 January 2024.
  8. Web site: NZSS Secondary Schools Netball Championships profile: Kate Heffernan/St Hilda's Collegiate. www.collegesportmedia.co.nz. 10 December 2021. 27 September 2016.
  9. Web site: St Hilda's Collegiate claim maiden title. www.collegesportmedia.co.nz. 3 February 2024. 5 December 2016.
  10. Web site: Heffernan still very much appreciating her time with Steel. www.odt.co.nz. 4 May 2019. 29 January 2024.
  11. Web site: NZSS Secondary School Girls cricket tournament this weekend. www.collegesportmedia.co.nz. 29 January 2024. 30 November 2016.
  12. Web site: Big St Hilda's presence in Sparks. www.odt.co.nz. 15 November 2018. 3 February 2024.
  13. Web site: Kate Heffernan. cricketarchive.com. 16 March 2018.
  14. Web site: Demanding task for Sparks against Hearts. www.odt.co.nz. 27 December 2016. 3 February 2024.
  15. Web site: Kate Heffernan of the Otago Sparks. www.photosport.nz. 27 October 2018. 13 February 2024.
  16. Web site: Heffernan puts netball first. www.odt.co.nz. 30 November 2018. 3 February 2024.
  17. Web site: Heffernan picks Steel — for now. www.odt.co.nz. 8 December 2018. 13 February 2024.
  18. Web site: Heffernan taking it one step at a time. www.odt.co.nz. 31 December 2021. 11 February 2024.
  19. Web site: Suzie Bates sparks maiden T20 triumph. www.nzc.nz. 12 February 2017. 12 February 2024.
  20. Web site: Sparks snuffed out in Oamaru. www.nzc.nz. https://web.archive.org/web/20180313120356/https://www.nzc.nz/match-reports/archive/sparks-snuffed-out-in-oamaru/. 13 March 2018. 26 January 2018. 3 February 2024.
  21. Web site: White Ferns call up Otago teenager Kate Heffernan. stuff.co.nz. 13 February 2018. 13 February 2024.
  22. Web site: New faces in White Ferns squads to face West Indies. www.nzc.nz. 13 February 2018. 13 February 2024.
  23. Web site: Two newcomers set for White Ferns debut. www.rnz.co.nz. 13 February 2018. 13 February 2024.
  24. Web site: Kate Heffernan. www.espncricinfo.com. 16 March 2018.
  25. Web site: Silver Fern Kate Heffernan hungry for another World Cup. www.rnz.co.nz. 15 October 2023. 11 February 2024.
  26. Web site: 2nd T20I (D/N), West Indies Women tour of New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. www.espncricinfo.com. 16 March 2018. 16 March 2018.
  27. Web site: NZ White Ferns v West Indies - 2nd T20 at Tauranga. www.photosport.nz. 16 March 2018. 13 February 2024.
  28. Web site: Heffernan relishing two sports. www.odt.co.nz. 28 April 2018. 13 February 2024.
  29. Web site: St Hilda's Collegiate hang on to beat Marlborough Girls' College in South Island secondary schools netball final. stuff.co.nz. 1 September 2016. 3 February 2024.
  30. Web site: Heffernan sisters lead way for St Hilda's. www.odt.co.nz. 13 June 2017. 29 January 2024.
  31. Web site: Two in row for St Hilda's. www.odt.co.nz. 8 September 2017. 2 February 2024.
  32. Web site: Promising Dunedin competition youngsters identified. www.dunedinnetball.co.nz. 22 December 2017. 31 January 2024.
  33. Web site: A mix of old and new faces in 2017 Netball South training squad. stuff.co.nz. 21 October 2016. 31 January 2024.
  34. Web site: 2017 Competitions. www.netballsouth.co.nz. 31 January 2024.
  35. Web site: Netball South Annual Report 2017. www.silverferns.co.nz. 12 February 2018. 10 May 2022.
  36. Web site: Netball South training squad named to prepare for 2018 Beko League. stuff.co.nz. 16 October 2017. 31 January 2024.
  37. Web site: Netball South National League Squad Announced. www.dunedinnetball.co.nz. 26 February 2018. 31 January 2024.
  38. Web site: Netball South name training squad. www.southlandsport.com. 18 October 2018. 31 January 2024.
  39. Web site: Trio named as Steel training partners. anzpremiership.co.nz. 22 December 2017. 31 January 2024.
  40. Web site: Kate Heffernan. anzpremiership.co.nz. 11 February 2024.
  41. Web site: Steel snatch one-goal win off hapless Tactix. anzpremiership.co.nz. 11 June 2018. 16 September 2022.
  42. Web site: Heffernan promoted to fulltime Steel role. www.odt.co.nz. 19 June 2018. 11 February 2024.
  43. Web site: Netball: Young sporting sensation Kate Heffernan promoted into Southern Steel. www.nzherald.co.nz. 20 June 2018. 8 September 2018.
  44. Web site: Central Pulse 53–54 Southern Steel. mc.championdata.com. 12 August 2018. 10 May 2022.
  45. Web site: Chance for Heffernan to take on more leadership. www.odt.co.nz. 27 January 2021. 11 February 2024.
  46. Web site: Heffernan plans to go hard at home. www.odt.co.nz. 7 August 2020. 11 February 2024.
  47. Web site: Brendon Egan. Positional versatility could inch Steel's Kate Heffernan closer to Silver Ferns dream. stuff.co.nz. 22 May 2021. 11 February 2024.
  48. Web site: Double netball success for Southern Steel twins. www.southlandsport.com. 12 December 2022. 28 January 2024.
  49. Web site: Double kudos for talented Heffernan netball duo. stuff.co.nz. 12 December 2022. 29 January 2024.
  50. Web site: Honours bestowed on sisters. www.odt.co.nz. 13 December 2023. 28 January 2024.
  51. Web site: 2021/22 Silver Ferns and Development squads announced. www.silverferns.co.nz. 10 August 2021. 11 February 2024.
  52. Web site: Heffernan dual international in waiting. www.odt.co.nz. 11 August 2021. 10 December 2021.
  53. Web site: Daughters of Silver Ferns passed the black dress. www.newsroom.co.nz. 11 August 2021. 20 September 2021.
  54. Web site: Brendon Egan. Kate Heffernan's height, defence could help her in Silver Ferns' centre battle. stuff.co.nz. 20 May 2022. 11 February 2024.
  55. Web site: Kate Heffernan of the Silver Ferns. www.photosport.nz. 22 September 2021. 11 February 2024.
  56. Web site: Aotearoa Men showcase skills for victory over Silver Ferns. www.silverferns.co.nz. 12 October 2021. 11 February 2024.
  57. Web site: Bolter Kate Heffernan named in Silver Ferns, Selby-Rickit & Souness recalled. www.rnz.co.nz. 27 June 2022. 11 February 2024.
  58. Web site: Kate Heffernan. www.silverferns.co.nz. 7 January 2023.
  59. Web site: Winning start for New Zealand netballers in Birmingham. www.silverferns.co.nz. 30 July 2022. 11 February 2024.
  60. News: NZ turn the tables on England to win bronze. www.silverferns.co.nz. 8 August 2022. 16 January 2023.
  61. Web site: 2023 World Cup highlights growing depth. www.netballnz.co.nz. August 2023. 12 February 2024.
  62. Web site: Kate Heffernan of New Zealand. www.photosport.nz. 31 July 2023. 11 February 2024.
  63. Web site: Silver Ferns all but guaranteed a semi-final against England. www.rnz.co.nz. 4 August 2023. 11 February 2024.
  64. Web site: Heffernan to vice-captain Ferns, train alongside sister. www.odt.co.nz. 15 December 2023. 28 January 2024.
  65. Web site: Vice captaincy an honour for Kate Heffernan. stuff.co.nz. 19 December 2023. 11 February 2024.
  66. Web site: Australia defeat Silver Ferns in Nations Cup opener. www.silverferns.co.nz. 21 January 2024. 27 January 2024.
  67. Web site: Steel's Heffernan makes Silver Ferns debut as team’s preparations begin. stuff.co.nz. 22 January 2024. 28 January 2024.
  68. Web site: Silver Ferns impress against Uganda at Nations Cup. www.silverferns.co.nz. 8 February 2024. 22 January 2024.
  69. Web site: Silver Ferns edge gritty Uganda. www.rnz.co.nz. 8 February 2024. 22 January 2024.
  70. Web site: Heffernan ruled out through injury. www.silverferns.co.nz. 3 November 2022. 21 September 2022.
  71. Web site: Kate Heffernan gives Silver Ferns' coach Aussie vibes. www.rnz.co.nz. 13 October 2022. 11 February 2024.
  72. Web site: Kate Heffernan of New Zealand. www.photosport.nz. 24 January 2023. 11 February 2024.
  73. Web site: Australia 56–50 New Zealand. mc.championdata.com. 25 January 2023. 9 February 2023.
  74. Web site: Late surge not enough in Taini Jamison Trophy opener. www.silverferns.co.nz. 24 September 2023. 29 December 2023. 29 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231229203913/https://www.silverferns.co.nz/silver-ferns/news/latest-news/late-surge-not-enough-in-taini-jamison-trophy-opener.html. live.
  75. Web site: Silver Ferns bounce back strongly to level Taini Jamison Trophy. www.silverferns.co.nz. 27 September 2023. 29 December 2023. 29 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231229203910/https://www.silverferns.co.nz/silver-ferns/news/latest-news/silver-ferns-bounce-back-strongly-to-level-taini-jamison-trophy.html. live.
  76. Web site: Silver Ferns nail series to win Taini Jamison Trophy. www.silverferns.co.nz. 30 September 2023. 29 December 2023.
  77. Web site: Silver Ferns complete Constellation Cup on a high note. www.silverferns.co.nz. 23 October 2023. 17 January 2024.

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