Determined Kate Heffernan focused on return

May 14, 2025

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel co-captain Kate Heffernan is determined a knee injury will not define her 2025 season.

The formidable midcourter will miss the start of the ANZ Premiership season after hyperextending her right knee during training on May 8th.

Steel physio Stacey Allan confirmed the injury had now been fully assessed and a robust recovery plan was in place.

“Kate is making positive progress with rehabilitation and we are working hard on her return to the court,” she said.

Having now processed the initial disappointment, Heffernan said she was fully focused on getting back amongst the action.

“Unfortunately, injuries are one of the realities of elite sport but that doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking not be able to get out there with my team,” she said.

“We have all worked incredibly hard during the preseason and deserve to reap the rewards of that now the competition has started.

“Watching from the sidelines definitely fuels my determination. I will be following the expert advice of our medical team to the letter and doing everything in my power to play as soon as I get the green light, but I know I have to be patient.”

Heffernan travelled with the team in a leadership role for the opening game against the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix in Christchurch on Monday.

“Naturally I want to be out there playing my part, but I have the upmost faith in our entire squad to get the job done regardless of who is wearing the bibs. We have prepared for every scenario,” she said.