The Stars have signed experienced Australian defender Kate Walsh for the remainder of the 2026 ANZ Premiership campaign.
Walsh (née Shimmin) joins the Stars as an injury replacement for Lili Tokaduadua, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The 34-year-old played more than 100 games domestically in Australia, across stints with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Walsh also represented England internationally and played in the FAST5 format for Australia.
Walsh retired at the end of the 2022 SSN season and has been in Canada since 2023.
Walsh's connection to the Stars comes through assistant coach Leana de Bruin, who she played alongside at the Thunderbirds.
De Bruin says after losing such an important player like Tokaduadua, it was important to add some experience to the group.
"Kate was a key player in Australia throughout her career. We've got a really special culture at the Stars and you want to know new players will fit in well and it'll be seamless," de Bruin said.
"She's very vocal and passionate and loves to win. She'll slot in alongside Kate and Aimee and be a loud voice at the back. She's a good person who loves the sport and will bring a lot of fun into the group as well."
Walsh is excited to make the move to Auckland and add another chapter to her netball story.
"It was a no brainer when Leana reached out. I can’t tell you how excited and pumped I was which made me realise straight away that I wasn’t done," Walsh said.
"It has always been a dream to go and play in New Zealand and as a player I believe I have more to give to the sport. Having time off has given me the chance to appreciate the game of netball and how special it is to be a part of a team working towards something together."
The opportunity to reconnect with de Bruin will be special for Walsh too.
"I loved playing with Leana, we had a great connection on the court as well as off and I learnt so much from her not only skill wise but also her conduct off the court. She always had time for the younger players and I really admired how well rounded she was with her life outside of netball too which I believe is very important," Walsh explained.
And as for what Walsh hopes to bring to the court for the Stars?
"I believe my style of play is a mixture of one on one and offline, I really enjoy working as a defensive unit to support one another in getting turnovers and I believe my energy and voice will be valuable to the team."
