Every family has sibling rivalry and when you’ve got two incredibly talented netballers in the same one, you’d think it would be courting disaster. But when it comes to the Rasmussen sisters, blood is thicker than their competitive streaks. They are each other’s number one fan – especially when times are tough.
It was Grace (24) who supported Rachel (28) through the year she missed out on a place in the Northern Mystics, and now it’s Rachel’s turn to be there for Grace – last week she was ruled out of the Silver Ferns team due to a stress reaction in her ankle, an injury that appeared just days before the team was due to assemble.
“Rachel knows more than anyone what I’m going through right now,” says Grace. “She’s been there and done that and knows how much playing for the Ferns means to me.”
Grace has been benched from the Silver Ferns due to injury – but is staying positive along with the support of her sister Rachel
It’s a feeling Rachel knows all too well, after failing to make the Mystics team in 2010. “I was pretty much ready to give up when I missed out getting in the team,” says Rachel, who is now back playing defence for the Mystics. “But having Grace there, who knew how hard I’d trained and how gutted I was feeling, that got me through. I knew I had a few years left in me!”
Although the two couldn’t imagine playing netball without each other, that’s not to say they’ve never been competitive. “It’s always been a healthy competition though, eh Grace?” grins Rachel. “She’s the most competitive out of all of us!” laughs Grace. “She’ll do anything to win!”
It was always up to their mum, Ruta, to make sure the girls’ competitiveness stayed healthy – and with seven children, it was no easy task. “We didn’t have a lot of money when the kids were growing up,” she says softly. “But we were a normal family. What’s on the table, that’s what you get. Eat the baked beans!” she adds with a laugh.
Ruta’s living room walls are hidden behind countless photos of her children’s many accomplishments – including Rachel and Grace in their Mystics uniforms and Grace standing next to former prime minister Helen Clark in her Silver Ferns uniform.
Rachel says that she was nearly ready to give up when she missed out on making it into the 2010 Mystics squad
Both Rachel and Grace know they owe a lot to their mum and dad, from making the decision to move to New Zealand from Samoa in 1975, to always being on the sidelines for every match they play in. “They’re a huge part in how far we’ve come with netball,” Grace says, giving her mum a squeeze.
Sport has always been a priority in the Rasmussen house, with all four sisters playing representative netball and their older brother, Dale, playing rugby for the Chiefs. “All of us brothers and sisters are so close. It’s how Mum and Dad raised us,” says Rachel.
“Anyone who knows our family calls us the Rassie tribe,” laughs Grace. “We move in packs, right down to the kids. “If one of us has something on, such as a game or a live performance, at least 20 of us will show up.”
“My daughter Priscilla plays netball. She just stands there and plays with her dress, but she’ll still have the entire family on the sideline,” grins Rachel.
Grace and Rachel both hope to play in the 2013 Mystics campaign
With 13 grandchildren between Ruta’s children, the Rasmussen family has enough people to play an entire netball game, meaning Rachel and Grace are never going to be short of a jobs as netball coaches. “I’m so proud of these two,” says Ruta. “I thank the Lord they have this talent that they can share with the younger generation growing up.”
While netball will always be in the Rasmussen blood, it’s their family that is the most important thing for the sisters. “I have two littlies and that’s the best thing to come home to after a game,” says Rachel. “You have your ups and downs, but they still love you. They’ll say ‘Don’t worry Mum, you were still the best shooter!’ and you’ve played defence. You can depend on them for a smile!”
With both sisters hoping to play in the 2013 Mystics campaign, they know one thing they can depend on is each other’s support. “I’m so proud of my little sister,” says Rachel, glancing at Grace. “You’re proud of your big sis too, eh?” “Of course,” says Grace with a smile. “Always.”
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