Five years after making her debut, the Southern Steel midcourter played her 50th test for the Silver Ferns in the series' second match against Jamaica.
Back in Dunedin - where she has returned to live - for a few days before heading to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games, she said it came unexpectedly.
''It kind of crept up on me a wee bit. I didn't really realise it was happening.
''But its very cool, awesome to say that you've played 50 tests for your country and such a privilege and honour.''
Now 27 years old, she has come a long way from her first match in 2013.
That remained a highlight however, alongside the last Commonwealth Games and World championships.
''I just remember I came on at halftime at wing attack,'' she said of her debut.
''I had no idea I'd be coming on at all.
''I got a couple of intercepts which is always quite rare for me, especially at wing attack.
''But it was incredible, playing against Australia at that time, it was pretty cool.''
With her second Commonwealth Games only a week away, there is plenty of pressure on the Ferns this time around.
After losing 59-51 in Francois' 50th match, the side then dropped the final - again against Jamaica - 59-53.
While that will have many concerned, Francois said the team was using the proximity of the Games as a positive.
''I think everyone was quite disappointed, but its exciting that we've got an opportunity with the Commonwealth Games being only a week away and we can rewrite how we want it to be.
''I think the girls will look at it and review it and definitely learn for it, I think it's a great learning opportunity.
''We know exactly where we're at, which is good, so we'll be working hard to get gold at the Commonwealth Games.''
While there had been plenty of talk about the team in recent days, it was important the team focused on itself.
The belief had not wavered within the group and Francois was confident it was still capable of getting the job done.
''It's other people's opinion. They have no idea what's going on inside the team, or the wider management, or things like that.
''So people can have their opinions, but until you've walked in our shoes, you don't have any idea what it's like.
''We all have full faith in ourselves and if no-one else does, that doesn't really bother us, to be honest.
''As long as we believe, then we'll make it happen.''
The Silver Ferns play their first game on the Gold Coast on April 5, against Uganda.
