LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Kate Shimmin of England in action during the Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2020 match between Vitality Roses and South Africa SPAR Proteas at Copper Box Arena on January 26, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images for England Netball)
Today (13/02/21), we celebrate the birthday of Kate Shimmin as one of the newest Vitality Roses turns 29!
Qualifying through dual citizenship, Kate followed in the footsteps of fellow Australian-born player Chelsea Pitman by opting to represent England.
She held initial talks with previous Roses Head Coach Tracey Neville about making the switch before being selected for current boss Jess Thirlby’s first squad in August 2019.
Kate’s debut followed towards the end of that year, starting the third match of a victorious series over South Africa in Cape Town.
“It was amazing. I’ve re-watched my cap a few times because it’s just so important to me,” she told Sky Sports.
“I just felt so honoured to be able to go out there and represent England but also to be a part of a really special group of girls and a team who are just so supportive and happy for me.
“This is a team where everyone is so accepting, no matter where you come from, your little quirks are embraced. It was a really special moment and I’ll always remember it.
“This is a new experience for me and I just want to soak up every opportunity that I get. I just want to enjoy it, learn from it and embrace the challenge.”
A few months later, Kate had the opportunity to showcase her talents in front of a home crowd in the Vitality Netball Nations Cup.
She featured in all four games, including the thrilling 65-63 win against South Africa once again in the bronze medal match.
Having starred for Suncorp Super Netball league outfit Adelaide Thunderbirds for seven seasons between 2011 and 2020, with one year at Queensland Firebirds in 2017, Kate was snapped up by Sunshine Coast Lightning last October.
During her time with the Thunderbirds, she lifted the ANZ Premiership in 2013, won the club’s Player of the Season award in 2018 and played alongside international colleagues Pitman and Layla Guscoth.
Kate did represent Australia at Under-21 level but her only senior appearances came in the 2014 and 2016 Fast5 series.
Why not wish Kate a happy birthday on her Twitter and Instagram profile?
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