She spans 6 feet short (her own words) from head to toe, is slight in build, freckled and bears a smile as wide as an ocean.

Our very own Monica Mika Falkner, aged 20 years has a long term goal to play for the Silver Ferns, which, as she puts it is “…pretty realistic at the moment, I’m not just saying it.”

And she is right about that.

Monica has recently been chosen to play in the NZA, (Development Squad to the Silver Ferns). Leading up to this she represented New Zealand in the U21 Squad, made the WBOP U23 team (2015) and played for the 2016 WBOP BEKO team. Monica will also be playing for Cold Power Magic’s. The newly appointed Coach to Magic’s, Margaret Forsythe (ex-Silver Fern) says, “I am looking forward to working with Monica as she has real potential. It is the role of the Magic’s to nurture and develop that talent in a way that is best for Monica.”

Currently studying a Bachelor of Science, Monica will continue her studies next year, although she says, “I’m a bit behind at the moment, but I’ll get there.”

Monica grew up on the Whānau farm on ‘MVR’ (Matahi Valley Road) and was a motor cross enthusiast and enjoyed touch from age 13. She started playing netball ’properly’ at 14. Her dad, ‘Bash’ David Falkner was her biggest fan in all her activities. Even though he never showed it, those who knew him, would agree.

Alongside ‘mum’ Tania, ‘nan’ Mary, Uncle Jay Jay (Ratu) best friend to Bash, tries to make as many of Monica’s games as possible as well as supporting his own girls in all of their activities.