The 20-year-old has been a shining light in a tough season for the Southern Steel.
A rangy wing defence, she has used her long arms and anticipation to disrupt opposition attacks.
Tonight she gets the chance to do that at home for the first time this year, against the Northern Mystics in Invercargill.
Tomorrow she will do it again against the Central Pulse.
Not having to travel will be a bonus.
Playing in front the team’s fans, which includes her family and friends, was exciting, too.
That included twin sister Georgia — the Steel shooter who suffered a major knee injury earlier in the season.
It had shaken Kate to see her sister go down, knowing how hard she had worked to get a contract.
But it also gave her a renewed outlook.
"I’ve got to go out and know how lucky I am and do it for George.
"She’s at home watching and doesn’t want to be; same with [injured Steel shooter] Jen [O’Connell].
"So it kind of reminded a lot of us how lucky we are.
"Going out and just enjoying it, and playing hard for those two at home, because they’d do anything to be on court and doing what we’re doing."
She was feeling more comfortable in the Steel, now in her third year.
Her performances have continued to grow as well, so much so it must be though she may be attracting at least one eye from the Silver Ferns’ selectors.
That remained a goal, although for now it was not a major focus.
"I’m still so young and there’s so many amazing players.
"I’d be stoked with being involved in any squads I was involved with last year again, keeping my name in the mix would be awesome.
"I’ve got a lot of time to keep working towards that ultimate goal of the Ferns."
