The 27-year-old had come to terms with her decision to leave the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.
It had not come without its anguish. She had been a big part of the Magic, since joining the team in her first year out of school in 2014.
When the news of her move to the Southern Steel became public yesterday, though, the reality hit again.
"I think the biggest one is the Magic has a big place in my heart," Winders said.
"When you make a decision like this, it’s not based on one or two things. It’s a massive decision. It pulls at those heart strings.
"But I’m super excited, as well, at the same time.
"I was just sitting here thinking I need to start planning. It’s a big move and it’s actually for real now."
Winders joins an otherwise unchanged Steel squad for next year, replacing Ali Wilshier.
It forms a star midcourt quartet for the team, retaining the starting trio of the past two years in Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan and Renee Savai’inaea.
That will create an interesting dynamic, as only three can be on the court at once.
However, Winders’ ability to slide between all three positions will be valuable, while the competition for spots will lift everyone.
There were several reasons for the move.
One was lifestyle — she had been travelling from Rotorua to Hamilton at the Magic, while her husband, Joe, was often travelling for work.
Shifting to Invercargill meant they would be able to live at home "like a married couple", while also being close to Joe’s family in Invercargill.
The parochial southern netball community and the attraction of the home Invercargill crowd was another lure.
There was the idea of being exposed to new coaches and the ability to step out of her comfort zone and grow. Plus there was the vibe the team gave off.
"I just love the vibe the Steel gives off.
"They’re such a hard working, gritty team, [with a] never give-up attitude. Over the years they’ve come from behind on many occasions. I love that dig deep attitude."
The move also gave her something to look forward to after being a surprise omission from the Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games squad.
Winders admitted that was "a bit of a blow". She was OK with it, though, perhaps showing her growth in recent years.
"Where I’m at is, there’s a very specific strategy the Silver Ferns have going into the Comm Games.
"For whatever reason, my skills and what I add to the team it didn’t fit this particular strategy. I’m OK with that.
"I know what I bring and I know my value in the team. At the end of the day, there’s only a certain amount of people that can be picked.
"The selectors are picking the team they believe is the best team to compete at the Games. I absolutely respect it.
"I’ve come a long way, I think, over the years. If you asked me this maybe five, six, seven years ago — I’d still be struggling to get over it."
The squad at either end of the remains unchanged.
English goal shoot George Fisher returns for a third season, alongside young duo Georgia Heffernan and Saviour Tui.
Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit will eye her 200th elite-level match in the defensive circle, while Kate Burley and Sarahpheinna Woulf are also back.
- Dunedin will host the national open netball championships at the Edgar Centre from September 5-9 next year.
Southern Steel
2023 squad
Sam Winders, Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Renee Savai’inaea, George Fisher, Georgia Heffernan, Saviour Tui, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit, Kate Burley, Sarahpheinna Woulf.
