We spend a few minutes finding out about one of our young Mixx stars of the future

Millie Boyte is in Mixx East district, and was a member of the Mixx NZ U15 Representative squad for 2024/25. Millie is in Year Nine at Avonside Girls High.

When and how did you first discover korfball?

When I was in Year Six, Torsten came to school to do some sessions with us.

Why did it appeal to you?

I liked the energy, the colours and the music. As I started to play more, I realised I really liked the game. I enjoyed being able to run around without restrictions, and being able to shoot. I like how energetic korfball is.

When did you realise you were hooked on korfball, and what made you feel that way?

At the end of Year Seven, when I started to become better at it, which is also when I officially joined Mixx, becoming an East district player.

What has been your best korfball experience so far?

Training and playing in the U15 rep squad. When we played as a team at the SISS Seniors, I really enjoyed how we were able to play against people who are older than us. I like challenges, and playing in that tournament was a cool challenge.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome in korfball?

As above: playing at the SISS for the rep team. It was really hard, though enjoyable at the same time.

What other sports do you play?

Netball: I’m in the Avonside Year Nine A team. I also play water polo, volleyball and tennis, plus a bit of swimming.

What skills from other sports have you brought to korfball, and are there any skills you have taken from korfball that have been useful in other sports?

In netball I play as wing attack or wing defence, where the skills you need for driving forward and getting into space are also useful in korfball. Most of the other sports I play are too different and the skills don’t really transfer to korfball. As I play korfball more, I’m now using skills developed in korfball to help me in netball, particularly passing. And you need to be fit in korfball, which has also improved my netball.

What is your favourite subject at school?

Health and Physical Education.

What is your main strength in korfball?

I’m good at driving forward, and I’m good at defending. I know it’s difficult for my player to get a shot away against me.

What about your korfball game do you most want to work on?

I want to be more accurate in shooting.

If korfball was an animal, which animal would that be?

It’s a Jaguar. They are fast, but they take their time as well, and they think about what they are going to do before they do it.

If korfball was a superhero, which superhero would that be?

I’d say Star-Lord, from Marvel and Guardians of the Galaxy. He has a good vibe and he likes music. Also he’s strong, but fun.

What is your goal in korfball?

To keep improving.

Who do you most enjoy playing against?

I’ve known Zoe Williams for a long time. She is a good friend, and I enjoy going up against her in a game, though she is a good korfball player as well, so playing against Zoe is a challenge.

Who do you most enjoy playing with and why?

I’m going to say Zoe again! She also plays netball with me, we have played together since Year Three, so we understand each other and both know how the other plays.

Who in korfball do you most look up to and why?

Youri Borrink. He was my first coach when I first joined East.

Aside from school and sport, what else are you into?

Although I play a lot of sport, I also like drawing, writing and reading. I like to read murder mysteries. Holly Jackson is my favourite author.

Thanks Millie - we look forward to seeing you at the next Mixx Community Shield, and to watching your future progress in korfball.