The New Zealand club confirmed the signing over the weekend, giving the Pretoria-born shooter an opportunity to add another chapter to her international career.
Venter has built an impressive resume across top leagues around the world. She played for the Melbourne Vixens in 2019 and the Queensland Firebirds in 2020 in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league, before spending four years with the Saracens Mavericks in the UK Super League. This year, she has been playing in South Africa’s national league, reconnecting with her home game.
She has faced the Pulse before meeting them in a 2020 pre-season clash while with the Firebirds. Five years later, she now finds herself joining their squad.
Expressig her excitement Venter said, she does’nt think that she ever imagined myself playing in New Zealand, but she feels really blessed and excited to have signed with Pulse.
“They are such a competitive team, and I’m looking forward to stepping into that environment. I hope to bring my international experience and leadership to the shooting circle while enjoying the game at the same time.’’
While best known as a goal shooter, the 30-year-old has also developed her game at goal attack, making her a versatile option under the post. The recent introduction of the two-point shot adds another dimension, with Venter’s long-range accuracy a natural strength.
“I’ve always enjoyed shooting from distance,’’ she said. “I was with the Firebirds when SSN first introduced the two-point shot, and our South African league recently adopted it as well. I’ve always felt comfortable taking those shots.’’
Venter’s journey has seen her rise steadily through the ranks. She represented South Africa at U19 and U21 level before making her senior Proteas debut in 2017, touring New Zealand for the Quad Series. Although an injury forced her out of the 2019 World Cup, she returned for the 2023 edition in Cape Town a proud moment as the tournament was hosted in Africa for the first time.
Now, she believes the move to New Zealand comes at the perfect moment. “This past year at home allowed me to rediscover my love for the sport. Now I’m ready to build on that on a bigger, more competitive stage, and Pulse feels like the perfect fit.’’
Off the court, Venter holds a degree in Agricultural Animal Science, while her diploma in Veterinary Nursing remains on hold as she continues to pursue her netball dreams.
Netball Central Director of High Performance, Waimarama Taumaunu, welcomed the signing: “Ine is a very accurate shooter, has the height factor, and brings experience from multiple leagues as well as international competition. She will add real value to the Pulse in 2026.’’