Schoolgirl fills Magic roster

The signing of Mt Maunganui schoolgirl Amy Christophers completes Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic's playing roster for the 2010 trans-Tasman netball competition.

With squads needing to be finalised by yesterday, in-circle defender Christophers was the surprise final name to be rubber-stamped.

The prospect of lining up for the Magic came as a shock for the 17-year-old Otumoetai College student.

"I am really stoked," she said.

"I was quite surprised and it's going to be a huge step up from my school stuff and other stuff I've played."

Apart from netball, which she has played at age-group and New Zealand secondary school level, Christophers has excelled in volleyball and athletics.

A New Zealand junior women's volleyball team representative, Christophers has also competed in the heptathlon, triple jump and javelin at the national championships.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua described Christophers as a raw talent with plenty of potential.

"She has played a number of other sports at a national level and has shown a strong-minded and gritty determination to succeed," Taurua said.

"Where possible, we like to nurture home grown talent and she has shown the necessary attributes to make a real fist of playing netball at this level."