Anna Harrison captain of LG Mystic is pregnant and expecting her first child with husband Craig.
“Even for us, the news is still sinking in but we are absolutely stoked and excited for this new chapter of our lives,” Harrison said.
The LG Mystics team for the 2013 ANZ Championship season, Harrison informed her team-mates today and will withdraw; she is in her three month of pregnancy.
“There were a lot of mixed emotions telling the girls this afternoon. I’m definitely going to miss being part of the playing group, but I’m also looking forward to contributing to their success in other ways,” Harrison said.
“Everyone at the LG Mystics has been very supportive, including the players, staff and board, and I am very appreciative of that.”
LG Mystics chief executive Julie Paterson said Harrison was a highly valued team member who would continue to add experience to the 2013 campaign.
“The loss of any player the calibre of Anna is a huge blow, there’s no denying that, so we will definitely welcome her contribution off the court and her involvement with the community as an ambassador for both the LG Mystics and Netball,” she said.
“We want to extend our congratulations to Anna and Craig; this is a very exciting time for them both and I’m sure our fans will share in that.”
LG Mystics coach Ruth Aitken, who has previously coached Harrison in the Silver Ferns, said the management team now had the task of identifying the best available player to replace her.
“We congratulate Anna on this wonderful news and, while she leaves big shoes to fill, it opens up an exciting opportunity for another athlete,” she said
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