Former OHS alumna and ex Silver Fern Bailey Mes inspires the next generation of OHS netballers at the Netball Dress Ceremony.
Last Thursday, 4 June, all of our netball teams, their whānau, coaches, managers and special guests attended the OHS Netball Dress Ceremony. The evening marked the start of the season and gave players the opportunity to receive their new uniforms in front of family, friends and supporters. Organised by Head of Netball Luaseane Lousi and Netball Academy coach Sarah Michelle Hansen-Vaeau, the event brought together players from across the programme and recognised the many people who contribute to netball at OHS.
It was a privilege to hear from former Silver Fern and OHS alumna Bailey Mes, who attended Onehunga High School from 2003 to 2007. Bailey reflected on her journey from the OHS netball courts to representing New Zealand on the international stage and encouraged players to enjoy their netball, support one another and make the most of the opportunities the sport can provide. During her career, Bailey earned more than 70 Test caps for the Silver Ferns, was a member of New Zealand’s 2019 Netball World Cup-winning team and represented her country at multiple Commonwealth Games.
Deputy Principal Matthew Haines opened the evening by speaking about the importance of representing Onehunga High School with pride and demonstrating the school's values on and off the court. He also shared his excitement about the continued growth of netball at OHS and the opportunities being created for current and future players through the programme. Sarah Michelle Hansen-Vaeau spoke about her vision for the future of the programme and the importance of creating strong pathways for young players. Returning to OHS as an alumna, Sarah shared her pride in the progress already being made and her hopes for the continued growth of the Netball Academy and wider netball programme. Throughout the evening, team captains acknowledged the support of coaches, managers, volunteers and families who play such an important role throughout the season. Student coaches shared their experiences of working with younger players and the enjoyment they have found in helping them develop their skills and confidence.
Players were also presented with their new playing dresses for the season. The uniforms are part of a wider refresh of sports uniforms across the school and feature a shade of green inspired by the OHS school uniform of the 1990s, a nod to the school's history while creating a consistent look across all sporting codes.
It was especially pleasing to see students take to the courts on Saturday wearing the new uniforms for the first time. OHS teams represented the school with pride, showing great effort, sportsmanship and commitment in the opening round of the season.
