Sulu Fitzpatrick
{{short description|New Zealand netball international}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox netball biography
|name = Sulu Fitzpatrick
|image=
|caption =
|fullname = Toesulu Mauailegalu Tone Fitzpatrick
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|08|20|df=yes}}
|birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand
|height = {{height|m=1.88|precision=0}}
|school = St Cuthbert's College
|university = University of Auckland
|relatives = Theresa Fitzpatrick (sister)
Olo Brown (uncle)
Tana Umaga (uncle)
|positions = GK, WD, GD
|clubyears1 = 2010
|clubteam1 = Northern Mystics
|clubapps1 = 1
|clubyears2 = 2011–2012
|clubteam2 = Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic
|clubapps2 = 16
|clubyears3 = 2013
|clubteam3 = Southern Steel
|clubapps3 = 13
|clubyears4 = 2015–2016
|clubteam4 = Northern Mystics
|clubapps4 = 22
|clubyears5 = 2017
|clubteam5 = Northern Stars
|clubapps5 = 15
|clubteam6 = Central Pulse
|clubyears6 = 2018–2019
|clubapps6 = 32
|clubyears7 = 2020–2023
|clubteam7 = Northern Mystics
|clubapps7 = 55
|clubyears8 =
|clubteam8 = Total
|clubapps8 = 154
|nationalyears1 = 2011–2023
|nationalteam1 = New Zealand
|nationalcaps1 = 27
|medaltemplates =
{{MedalCountry|{{nb|New Zealand}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|Fast5 Netball World Series}}
{{MedalGold|2018 Melbourne|Team}}
{{MedalSilver|2011 Liverpool|Team}}
{{MedalCompetition|Commonwealth Games}}
{{MedalBronze|2022 Birmingham|Team}}
}}
Sulu Fitzpatrick (born 20 August 1992), also known as Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick, is a former New Zealand netball international. She was a member of the New Zealand team that won the 2021 Constellation Cup and represented New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She captained New Zealand when they won the 2018 Fast5 Netball World Series and again during the 2021 Taini Jamison Trophy Series. During the ANZ Championship era, Fitzpatrick played for Northern Mystics, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Southern Steel. During the ANZ Premiership era, she played for Mystics, Northern Stars and Central Pulse. During her career, she played for every ANZ Premiership team except Mainland Tactix. She was a member of four premiership winning teams – the 2012 Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, the 2019 Central Pulse, the 2021 Northern Mystics and the 2023 Northern Mystics. She captained Mystics when they won both premierships. In 2021, Fitzpatrick received the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award. In 2022, she was included on a list of the 25 best players to feature in netball leagues in New Zealand since 1998.
Early life, family and education
Toesulu Mauailegalu Tone Fitzpatrick was born and raised in Auckland. She is of Samoan descent. She is named after her grandmother, Toesulu Brown, the first woman in her family to migrate to New Zealand. During the 1960s, she migrated from Samoa on an education scholarship. She subsequently worked as a teacher at Auckland Girls' Grammar School for thirty years. Fitzpatrick's birth parents are Olive and Konelio Tone. She has a close relationship with them, and her three biological siblings in Samoa and Australia. However, Sulu was whangai'd and raised mainly by her aunt and uncle, Rosie and Greg Fitzpatrick. Rosie is her birth mother's sister. The Fitzpatrick family lived in Mount Albert. Sulu considers Rosie and Greg to be her parents.{{Cite web|url=https://e-tangata.co.nz/korero/sulu-fitzpatrick-leading-with-love/|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick: Leading with love|publisher=e-tangata.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828202830/https://e-tangata.co.nz/korero/sulu-fitzpatrick-leading-with-love/|archive-date=28 August 2021|date=29 August 2021|access-date=4 September 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/player/sulu-tone-fitzpatrick/|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick (Captain)|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127163208/https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/player/sulu-tone-fitzpatrick/|archive-date=27 January 2023|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.anzpremiership.co.nz/Images/Assets/12762/1/anzp-media-guide-2017.pdf|title=ANZ Premiership Netball 2017 Media Guide|publisher=www.anzpremiership.co.nz|date=26 March 2017|access-date=30 April 2017|archive-date=9 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409071006/https://www.anzpremiership.co.nz/Images/Assets/12762/1/anzp-media-guide-2017.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/70723|title=Proud Samoan in the Silver Ferns|publisher=www.samoaobserver.ws|date=16 September 2020|access-date=4 September 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/106078654/the-space-between-netballer-sulu-fitzpatricks-coming-of-age|title=Netballer Sulu Fitzpatrick's second sporting life|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=12 August 2018|accessdate=22 January 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/q-and-a-sulu-fitzpatrick/|title=Q and A – Sulu Fitzpatrick|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=19 June 2021|access-date=2 September 2023}} Two of her uncles, Olo Brown and Tana Umaga, were New Zealand rugby union internationals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-uncles-on-hand-if-fern-needs-tips/JJV2JBF7PZ7I63CVDW7EHD3EME/|title=Netball: Uncles on hand if Fern needs tips|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=1 October 2011|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-props-niece-making-mark-on-the-court-in-her-own-quiet-way/CLNYGMXP35DA3WC2YNYSISZZWM/|title=Netball: Prop's niece making mark on the court - in her own quiet way|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=27 March 2015|access-date=29 August 2023}} Her younger sister, Theresa Fitzpatrick is a New Zealand women's rugby union international. The Fitzpatrick sisters both represented New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Theresa with the New Zealand women's national rugby sevens team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/lockerroom/fitzpatrick-sisters-help-lift-each-other-to-dais|title=Fitzpatrick sisters help lift each other to dais|publisher=www.newsroom.co.nz|date=1 August 2022|access-date=5 September 2023}}
Fitzpatrick attended Richmond Road Primary in Grey Lynn. For high school, she attended St Cuthbert's College where she was deputy head girl.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/college-sport-cho-and-gill-take-top-sporting-awards/ZT6GIKAVEGDOWQOLKC7DPJHB74/|title=College Sport: Cho and Gill take top sporting awards|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=16 November 2010|access-date=1 September 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/sport-archived2/4415033/Aleesha-just-loves-training|title=Aleesha just loves training|publisher=www.stuff.co.nz|date=3 December 2010|access-date=1 September 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/college-sport-star-making-programme-reaping-results/RCJ46Q3BBT2VRY5FNPSY5M7OHI/|title=College sport: Star-making programme reaping results|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=4 May 2010|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-twins-not-end-of-story-for-former-teen-star/WI4CJJSXCZYAVQNBH5KBKJLGQY/|title=Netball: Twins not end of story for former teen star|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=26 September 2014|access-date=29 August 2023}}
Throughout her netball career, she also attended the University of Auckland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-defender-rockets-right-into-test-side/UNJJEPTYVIH3WPMAT4BHAA5VZI/|title=Netball: Defender rockets right into test side|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=12 September 2011|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/newsroom-co-nz-sulu-fitzpatrick-forever-the-student/|title=Newsroom.co.nz – Sulu Fitzpatrick: forever the student|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=27 July 2020|access-date=2 September 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2020/09/30/goal-in-sight-for-pasifika-blues-award-winner.html|title=Goal in sight for Pasifika Blues Award winner|publisher=www.auckland.ac.nz|date=30 September 2020|access-date=30 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/goal-in-sight-for-pasifika-blues-award-winner/|title=Goal in sight for Pasifika Blues Award winner|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=2 October 2020|access-date=2 September 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/300066478/sulu-fitzpatrick-forever-the-student-as-she-juggles-netball-and-studying|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick forever the student as she juggles netball and studying|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=27 July 2020|access-date=2 September 2023}} Fitzpatrick is the mother of twins, Tevita and Theresa. The latter was named after her sister. They were born on Boxing Day 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/happy-mothers-day-with-sulu-fitzpatrick/|title=Happy Mother's Day – with Sulu Fitzpatrick|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=9 May 2021|access-date=2 September 2023}} She is in a relationship with Andrew who has two boys, Mason and Harley.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/inspire-me/300234728/how-silver-fern-sulu-fitzpatrick-overcame-her-battle-with-alcohol-and-depression|title=How Silver Fern Sulu Fitzpatrick overcame her battle with alcohol and depression|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=19 February 2021|access-date=29 August 2023}} Since 2017, Fitzpatrick has had a Malu to honour her late grandfather, Sola Brown.
Playing career
=ANZ Championship=
==Northern Mystics (2010)==
Tone-Fitzpatrick was recruited by Northern Mystics while she was still attending St Cuthbert's College. She was aged 17 and still attending St Cuthbert's, when she made her ANZ Championship debut with Mystics during the 2010 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/sport/3135172/Coach-has-high-hopes|title=Coach has high hopes|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=8 December 2009|access-date=3 September 2023}} However, during her 2010 spell with Mystics she played just one quarter of one match.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503436&objectid=11027799|title=Netball: Magic move pays off for Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=24 October 2011|accessdate=22 January 2019}}
==Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic==
In 2011 and 2012, Tone-Fitzpatrick made 16 senior appearances for Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/rhapsody-in-blue-sulu-hits-150/|title=Rhapsody in blue – Sulu hits 150|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=5 May 2023|access-date=23 August 2023}} During the 2011 season, she formed a very effective partnership with Casey Williams and was subsequently nominated as Best Young Player.{{Cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/netball/netball-magic-newcomer-leaves-her-mark|title=Netball: Magic newcomer leaves her mark|publisher=www.odt.co.nz|date=1 April 2011|access-date=31 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/sulu-tone-fitzpatrick-nominated-for-anz-championships-2011-best-young-player-award|title=Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick Nominated for ANZ Championship's 2011 Best Young Player Award|publisher=netballnz.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122094820/https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/sulu-tone-fitzpatrick-nominated-for-anz-championships-2011-best-young-player-award|archive-date=22 January 2019|date=11 April 2011|access-date=23 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.womensportreport.com/sulu-tone-fitzpatrick-nominated-for-anz/wn/12987|title=Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick nominated for ANZ Championship's 2011 Best Young Player award|publisher=www.womensportreport.com|date=13 April 2011|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/4955528/Tone-Fitzpatrick-inspires-Waikato-BOP-Magic|title=Tone-Fitzpatrick inspires Waikato-BOP Magic|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=4 May 2011|access-date=31 August 2023}}{{cite web|title=2011 (ANZ Championship) team lists |url=http://66.29.206.247/_uploads/res/2344_120506.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705200855/http://66.29.206.247/_uploads/res/2344_120506.pdf |archive-date=5 July 2011|accessdate=18 November 2010|url-status=dead }} In 2011, while playing for Magic, Tone-Fitzpatrick made her senior debut for New Zealand. However she was only a bit-part player as Magic won the 2012 ANZ Championship as she found herself kept out of the team by Leana de Bruin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/7442608/Tone-Fitzpatrick-on-lookout-for-new-base|title=Tone-Fitzpatrick on lookout for new base|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=9 August 2012|access-date=29 August 2023}}
==Southern Steel==
In 2013, Tone-Fitzpatrick made 13 senior appearances for Southern Steel. She formed a defensive partnership with Rachel Rasmussen, keeping Storm Purvis out of the team.{{cite web|author=Brendon Egan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/7759871/Tone-Fitzpatrick-goes-south-links-with-Southby|title=Tone-Fitzpatrick goes south, links with Southby|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=3 October 2012|accessdate=22 January 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/8629887/Tone-Fitzpatrick-old-head-on-young-shoulders|title=Tone-Fitzpatrick: old head on young shoulders|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=5 May 2013|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/netball/netball-steel-defender-rising-her-tall-task|title=Netball: Steel defender rising to her tall task|publisher=www.odt.co.nz|date=4 April 2013|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.southernsteel.co.nz/about-us/steel-history/southern-steel-2013-netball-team-management-team-__I.35285|title=Southern Steel 2013 Netball Team|publisher=www.southernsteel.co.nz|access-date=3 April 2021}} While playing for Steel, Tone-Fitzpatrick became pregnant and she would subsequently miss the 2014 season.
==Northern Mystics (2015–2016)==
In 2015 and 2016, Tone-Fitzpatrick made 22 senior appearances for Northern Mystics. On 16 May 2016, in a Round 7 match against Central Pulse, Fitzpatrick made her 50th senior league appearance.{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/304035/mystics-hold-on-to-beat-pulse|title=Mystics hold on to beat Pulse|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=17 May 2016|access-date=1 September 2023}} However, Fitzpatrick's relationship with Mystics head coach Debbie Fuller became strained and she subsequently found herself dropped from the starting seven.
=ANZ Premiership=
==Northern Stars==
In 2017, Fitzpatrick made 15 senior appearances for Northern Stars. She was a member of the inaugural Stars squad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.starsnetball.co.nz/stars/news/northern-stars-join-anz-premiership.html|title=Northern Stars join ANZ Premiership|publisher=www.starsnetball.co.nz|accessdate=18 August 2022|date=26 October 2016}} Fitzpatrick suffered an ACL injury during preseason. Normally, a season-ending injury, in Fitzpatrick's case, medical staff took the rare step of opting not to do surgery, as they determined the muscles that support her knee were strong enough to compensate for being short a ligament. Aided by layers of strapping tape, she managed to complete the season.
==Central Pulse==
In 2018 and 2019, Fitzpatrick made 32 appearances for Central Pulse.{{cite web|url=https://www.anzpremiership.co.nz/news/article/pulse-sign-reuelu-buchanan-and-fitzpatrick-for-2018|title=Pulse sign Reuelu-Buchanan and Fitzpatrick for 2018|publisher=www.anzpremiership.co.nz|date=3 August 2017|access-date=9 September 2022}} She was a prominent member of the Pulse teams that won two minor premierships, the 2018 Netball New Zealand Super Club tournament and the 2019 ANZ Premiership.{{cite web|url=https://www.anzpremiership.co.nz/news/article/pulse-secure-2018-minor-premiership-title|title=Pulse secure 2018 minor premiership title|publisher=www.anzpremiership.co.nz|date=23 July 2018|access-date=12 September 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/pulse-overcome-gritty-tactix-to-win-super-club-final|title=Pulse overcome gritty Tactix to win Super Club final|publisher=www.netballnz.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901115543/https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/pulse-overcome-gritty-tactix-to-win-super-club-final|archive-date=1 September 2018|date=24 August 2018|access-date=22 May 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.anzpremiership.co.nz/news/article/red-hot-pulse-seal-minor-premiership?category=&team=&index=1&page=1|title=Red-hot Pulse seal minor premiership|publisher=www.anzpremiership.co.nz|date=13 May 2019|access-date=4 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-central-pulse-defeat-northern-stars-in-anz-premiership-grand-final/W4JQZLYBJFZYEZDZHU63JPV4ZY/|title=Netball: Central Pulse defeat Northern Stars in ANZ Premiership grand final|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=3 June 2019|access-date=27 September 2022}} Her 2018 performance with Pulse saw Fitzpatrick recalled for New Zealand after a seven-year absence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-sulu-fitzpatrick-relishes-return-to-the-silver-ferns-after-rare-recall-following-seven-year-absence/VSL23YGY3QMJC7BZYPKMI6YP2M/|title=Netball: Sulu Fitzpatrick relishes return to the Silver Ferns after rare recall following seven-year absence|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=5 October 2018|access-date=1 September 2023}}
Fitzpatrick pays credit to Pulse for reviving her netball career when she thought it was over.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/lockerroom/pure-as-sulu-fitzpatrick|title=Pure As: Sulu Fitzpatrick|publisher=www.newsroom.co.nz|date=31 May 2022|access-date=30 August 2023}}
==Northern Mystics (2020–2023)==
Between 2020 and 2023, during her third spell with the team, Fitzpatrick made 55 senior appearances for Northern Mystics.{{cite web|url=https://anzpremiership.co.nz/premiership/teams/mystics/sulu-fitzpatrick.html|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick|publisher=anzpremiership.co.nz|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/113599291/northern-mystics-confirm-sulu-fitzpatrick-signing-for-2020-anz-premiership|title=Northern Mystics confirm Sulu Fitzpatrick signing for 2020 ANZ Premiership|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=19 June 2019|access-date=20 October 2022}} On 15 March 2020, in a Round 1 against Northern Stars, Fitzpatrick made her 100th senior league appearance.{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/northern-mystics-take-out-first-game-of-the-season/|title=Northern Mystics take out first game of the season|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=15 March 2020|access-date=2 September 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://anzpremiership.co.nz/premiership/news/latest/mystics-win-opening-northern-challenge-clash.html?category=&team=&index=5&page=1|title=Mystics win opening Northern Challenge clash|publisher=anzpremiership.co.nz|date=16 March 2020|access-date=2 September 2023}}
In February 2021, Fitzpatrick was announced as the new Mystics captain.{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/fitzpatrick-named-mystics-captain-11-years-after-making-club-debut/|title=Fitzpatrick named Mystics captain 11 years after making club debut|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=18 February 2021|access-date=2 September 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.anzpremiership.co.nz/news/article/fitzpatrick-named-mystics-captain-for-2021|title=Fitzpatrick named Mystics captain for 2021|publisher=www.anzpremiership.co.nz|date=24 February 2021|accessdate=2 August 2022}} She subsequently captained the 2021 Northern Mystics when they won their first ANZ Premiership title.{{cite web|url=https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/125624928/is-this-the-northern-mystics-year-captain-sulu-fitzpatrick-weighs-in|title=Is this the Northern Mystics' year? Captain Sulu Fitzpatrick weighs in|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=4 July 2021|accessdate=2 August 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/history/|title=Northern Mystics – History|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|access-date=18 November 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-northern-mystics-claim-first-anz-premiership-title-with-win-over-mainland-tactix/WTZATMXN2GDCIDXTAQ72MZRFDA/|title=Netball: Northern Mystics claim first ANZ Premiership title with win over Mainland Tactix|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=8 August 2021|access-date=17 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.netballnorthern.co.nz/images/stories/zones/Northern/Documents_/2022/2021_Annual_Report_FINAL_1.pdf|title=Netball Northern 2021 Annual Report|publisher=www.netballnorthern.co.nz|date=3 March 2022|access-date=25 June 2022}} In December 2021, Fitzpatrick received the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award.{{cite web|url=https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/127225716/silver-fern-sulu-fitzpatrick-completes-stunning-rise-with-dame-lois-muir-supreme-medal|title=Silver Fern Sulu Fitzpatrick completes stunning rise with Dame Lois Muir Supreme Medal|publisher=stuff.co.nz|access-date=15 April 2022|date=8 December 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/silver-ferns-defender-sulu-fitzpatrick-claims-top-honour-at-netball-nz-awards/6JNH5D4ID35SEHKT6KECOQED5Q/|title=Silver Ferns defender Sulu Fitzpatrick claims top honour at Netball NZ awards|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|access-date=15 April 2022|date=8 December 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/netballs-best-honoured-at-new-zealand-netball-awards/|title=Netball's best honoured at New Zealand Netball Awards|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=10 December 2021|access-date=10 August 2022}} In January 2022, Fitzpatrick contracted COVID-19.{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/sulus-covid-battle-goes-straight-to-the-heart/|title=Sulu's Covid battle goes straight to the heart|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=13 March 2022|access-date=2 September 2023}} In April 2022, she was included on a list of the 25 best players to feature in netball leagues in New Zealand since 1998.{{cite web|url=https://anzpremiership.co.nz/news/article/top-25-of-the-last-25-leave-a-lasting-imprint|title='Top 25 of the Last 25' leave a lasting imprint|publisher=anzpremiership.co.nz|date=1 April 2022|access-date=23 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/top-25-of-the-last-25-leave-a-lasting-imprint|title='Top 25 of the Last 25' leave a lasting imprint|publisher=www.netballnz.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424184743/https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/top-25-of-the-last-25-leave-a-lasting-imprint|archive-date=24 April 2022|date=1 April 2022|access-date=24 April 2022}}
In May 2022, Fitzpatrick announced that she would retire after the 2023 Netball World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/mg-mystics-defender-sulu-fitzpatrick-to-retire-after-2023-world-cup-to-concentrate-on-motherhood/|title=MG Mystics Defender Sulu Fitzpatrick to Retire After 2023 World Cup to Concentrate on Motherhood|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=9 May 2022|accessdate=30 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/128593849/silver-fern-sulu-fitzpatrick-at-peace-after-putting-an-end-date-on-her-netball-career|title=Silver Fern Sulu Fitzpatrick 'at peace' after putting an end date on her netball career|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=11 May 2022|accessdate=30 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://anzpremiership.co.nz/premiership/news/latest/sulu-fitzpatricks-swansong-its-time-for-me-to-be-mum.html|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick's Swansong – "It's Time for Me to Be Mum"|publisher=anzpremiership.co.nz|date=30 May 2023|accessdate=30 August 2023}} On 6 May 2023, in a Round 10 against Southern Steel, Fitzpatrick made her 150th senior league appearance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/mystics-claim-emphatic-win-over-steel-to-honour-fitzpatricks-big-150/|title=Mystics claim emphatic win over Steel to honour Fitzpatrick's big 150|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=6 May 2023|access-date=23 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/131909082/anz-premiership-northern-mystics-mark-sulu-fitzpatricks-150th-with-scrappy-win|title=ANZ Premiership: Northern Mystics mark Sulu Fitzpatrick's 150th with scrappy win|publisher=www.stuff.co.nz|date=6 May 2023|access-date=23 August 2023}} Ahead of the 2023 grand final, she confirmed her decision to retire.{{cite web|author=Brendon Egan|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/132211927/sulu-fitzpatrick-determined-to-make-a-difference-in-pacific-community-upon-retirement|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick determined to make a difference in Pacific community upon retirement|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=4 June 2023|accessdate=30 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/491292/netball-sulu-fitzpatrick-adamant-she-won-t-be-back|title=Netball: Sulu Fitzpatrick adamant she won't be back|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=4 June 2023|accessdate=30 August 2023}} Fitzpatrick subsequently captained the 2023 Northern Mystics as they won their second ANZ Premiership title.{{cite web|url=https://anzpremiership.co.nz/premiership/news/latest/mystics-grand-final-win-provides-perfect-send-off-for-fitzpatrick.html|title=Mystics Grand Final win provides perfect send-off for Fitzpatrick|publisher=www.anzpremiership.co.nz|date=4 June 2023|access-date=8 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/132232015/perfect-end-for-sulu-fitzpatrick-as-mystics-beat-stars-in-anz-premiership-final|title=Perfect end for Sulu Fitzpatrick as Mystics beat Stars in ANZ Premiership final|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=4 June 2023|access-date=12 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/491320/mystics-give-sulu-fitzpatrick-fairytale-send-off|title=Mystics give Sulu Fitzpatrick fairytale send-off|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=4 June 2023|access-date=10 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/132232022/emotions-pour-out-as-sulu-fitzpatrick-gets-fitting-finale-with-mystics-with-anz-premiership-title|title=Emotions pour out as Sulu Fitzpatrick gets fitting finale with Mystics with ANZ Premiership title|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=5 June 2023|access-date=2 September 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/anz-premiership-final-mystics-captain-sulu-fitzpatricks-fairytale-may-not-be-over-yet/L2Y2ZQBPVNAW7NQS4XJ4LXDR7Q/|title=ANZ Premiership final: Mystics captain Sulu Fitzpatrick's fairytale may not be over yet|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=5 June 2023|accessdate=30 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/news/the-real-tale-behind-the-mg-mystics-fairytale-season/|title=The real tale behind the MG Mystics' fairytale season|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|date=20 June 2023|access-date=12 August 2023}}
=New Zealand=
Tone-Fitzpatrick represented New Zealand at schoolgirl
and under-21 level. In 2010 she captained the New Zealand Secondary Schools team to victory in an International Schoolgirls Tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/3747785/NZ-schools-team-strike-blow-against-Australia|title=NZ schools team strike blow against Australia|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=28 May 2010|access-date=3 September 2023}} She also captained the under-21 team.{{Cite web|url=https://netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/sulu-tone-fitzpatrick-to-captain-nzu21-tonight|title=Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick to captain NZU21 tonight|publisher=netballnz.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502032945/https://netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/sulu-tone-fitzpatrick-to-captain-nzu21-tonight|archive-date=2 May 2017|date=7 June 2011|access-date=23 August 2023}} On 3 October 2011, Tone-Fitzpatrick made her senior debut for New Zealand against England during the 2011 Taini Jamison Trophy Series. She was introduced at goalkeeper for the final quarter.{{cite web|url=https://www.silverferns.co.nz/silver-ferns/history/players/sulu-fitzpatrick.html|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick|publisher=www.silverferns.co.nz|access-date=24 April 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.photosport.nz/image/I00005NSFOw0n9NQ|title=Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick|publisher=www.photosport.nz|date=3 October 2011|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/newcomers-make-their-mark-in-silver-ferns-win|title=Newcomers make their mark in Silver Ferns win|publisher=netballnz.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502025842/https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/newcomers-make-their-mark-in-silver-ferns-win|archive-date=2 May 2017|date=3 October 2011|access-date=3 September 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/5726303/Nervy-Silver-Ferns-defeat-England-by-22|title=Nervy Silver Ferns defeat England by 22|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=4 October 2011|access-date=3 September 2023}} She also played for New Zealand at the 2011 World Netball Series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-england-fastnet-win-ends-nz-reign/6MTB3AS6C3UNJOUNK6HQDCEQ4A/|title=Netball: England Fastnet win ends NZ reign|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=28 November 2011|access-date=3 September 2023}} However, Fitzpatrick would have to wait another seven years before been recalled to the senior New Zealand team for the 2018 Constellation Cup.{{cite web|url=https://mc.championdata.com/netball_nz/index.html?competitionid=10564&matchid=105640101|title=Constellation Cup – Australia 57–42 New Zealand|publisher=mc.championdata.com|date=7 October 2018|access-date=30 March 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-australia-claim-constellation-cup-with-58-47-win-over-the-silver-ferns/QWV4XKPP7Z4GM4UUI7DU27BJFY/|title=Netball: Australia claim Constellation Cup with 58-47 win over the Silver Ferns|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=18 October 2018|accessdate=10 July 2021}} She captained the New Zealand team that won the 2018 Fast5 Netball World Series.{{cite web|url=https://netball.sport/archives/15030|title=Fast5 Netball World Series 2018|work=World Netball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203132055/https://netball.sport/archives/15030|archive-date=3 December 2020|date=22 October 2018|access-date=14 April 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/fast-5-ferns-overcome-jamaica-in-fast-5-netball-world-series-grand-final/2MEEQOPAG6QCY7B6427LNZDBVM/|title=Fast 5 Ferns overcome Jamaica in Fast 5 Netball World Series grand final|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=28 October 2018|access-date=18 October 2022}} She was a member of the New Zealand team that won the 2021 Constellation Cup.{{cite web|author=Brendon Egan|url=https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/silver-ferns/124477104/constellation-cup-how-the-silver-ferns-rated-in-their-series-win-over-australia|title=Constellation Cup: How the Silver Ferns rated in their series win over Australia|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=9 March 2021|access-date=19 December 2022}} In September 2023, Fitzpatrick was named as vice captain to Gina Crampton.{{cite web|url=https://www.silverferns.co.nz/silver-ferns/news/latest-news/silver-ferns-name-new-captain-and-vice-captain.html|title=Silver Ferns name new captain and vice captain|publisher=www.silverferns.co.nz|date=3 September 2023|accessdate=5 September 2023}} On 22 September 2021, in the absence of an injured Crampton, Fitzpatrick captained New Zealand against England during the 2021 Taini Jamison Trophy Series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-silver-ferns-beaten-by-england-after-second-half-struggles/DX3GN5JH4CYVFXRCIX4OI325WI/|title=Netball: Silver Ferns beaten by England after second half struggles|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=22 September 2021|accessdate=16 May 2022}} She was a member of the New Zealand team that were bronze medalists at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-silver-ferns-team-announced-for-commonwealth-games/AUGPEPXASMTPAPXAHJ3YHXXICM/|title=Netball: Silver Ferns team announced for Commonwealth Games|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=27 June 2022|accessdate=27 June 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://central.rookieme.com/netball/player/sulu-fitzpatrick/|title=Sulu Fitzpatrick|publisher=central.rookieme.com|access-date=30 August 2023}}
Statistics
{{Netball player statistics start}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2010
|style="text-align:center;"|Mystics
|0/0|| || || || || || || || ||1
|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2011
|style="text-align:center;"|Magic
|0/0||1||8||12||?||15||30||92||8||
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2012
|style="text-align:center;"|Magic
|0/0|| || || || || || || || ||
|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2013
|style="text-align:center;"|Steel
|0/0|| || || || || || || || ||13
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2014
|style="text-align:center;"| {{ref|2|(Note 2)}}
|0/0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2015
|style="text-align:center;"|Mystics
|0/0|| || || || || || || || ||
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2016
|style="text-align:center;"|Mystics
|0/0|| || || || || || || || ||
|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2017
|style="text-align:center;"|Stars
|0/0||?||14||0||?||25||41||129||3||15
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2018
|style="text-align:center;"|Pulse
|0/0||?||22||0||?||30||55||197||15||16
|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2019
|style="text-align:center;"|Pulse
|0/0||0||35||2||0||22||63||151||8||16
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2020
|style="text-align:center;"|Mystics
|0/0||0||23||3||0||16||58||100||1||13
|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2021
|style="text-align:center;"|Mystics
|0/0||2||30||16||4||21||58||116||9||16
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2022
|style="text-align:center;"|Mystics
|0/0||0||38||2||0||19||65||106||7||16
|- style="background-color: #eaeaea"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2023
|style="text-align:center;"|Mystics
|0/0||?||12||2||0||8||22||68||2||10
|- class="sortbottom"
! colspan=2| Career
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! 154
|}
;Notes
- {{note|1|1}} Between 2010 and 2016, Fitzpatrick made 52 ANZ Championship appearances for Northern Mystics, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Southern Steel.{{cite web|url=http://anzpremiership.co.nz/Images/Assets/156137/1/2022%20ANZP%20MEDIA%20GUIDE.pdf|title=ANZ Premiership 2022 Media Guide|publisher=anzpremiership.co.nz|access-date=14 August 2022|archive-date=29 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529134032/http://anzpremiership.co.nz/Images/Assets/156137/1/2022%20ANZP%20MEDIA%20GUIDE.pdf|url-status=dead}}
- {{note|2|2}} Fitzpatrick missed the 2014 season due to pregnancy.
Rugby sevens
Tone-Fitzpatrick was included in the Samoa women's national rugby sevens team for the 2015 New Zealand Women's Sevens Series.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/288399/sport-former-silver-fern-to-make-samoa-sevens-rugby-debut|title=Sport: Former Silver Fern to make Samoa sevens rugby debut|date=30 October 2015|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|accessdate=22 January 2019}}
Personal life
Fitzpatrick has spoken openly about her family life, her mental health battles, struggling with depression and anxiety, food and alcohol issues, her pregnancy and the pressures of being both a mother and netball player.
Honours
- Constellation Cup
- Winners: 2021
- Taini Jamison Trophy
- Winners: 2011, 2020, 2022
- Fast5 Netball World Series
- Winners: 2018
- ANZ Premiership
- Winners: 2021, 2023
- Minor premiers: 2021, 2023
- ANZ Premiership
- Winners: 2019
- Minor premiers: 2019
- Netball New Zealand Super Club
- Winners: 2018
- ANZ Championship
- Winners: 2012
;Individual Awards
| class="wikitable collapsible"
! Year ! Award | |
| 2021 | Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award |
References
{{Reflist|3}}
{{2012 Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic squad}}
{{2019 Central Pulse squad}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Northern Mystics
|bg=#{{Netball colours|Northern Mystics|1}}
|fg=#{{Netball colours|Northern Mystics|2}}
|list1=
{{Northern Mystics}}
{{2021 Northern Mystics squad}}
{{2023 Northern Mystics squad}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=New Zealand
|bg=black
|fg=white
|list1=
{{New Zealand national netball team}}
{{New Zealand netball squad at the 2022 Commonwealth Games}}
{{2022 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fitzpatrick, Sulu}}
Category:New Zealand netball players
Category:New Zealand international netball players
Category:New Zealand international Fast5 players
Category:Netball players from Auckland
Category:Commonwealth Games bronze medallists in netball
Category:Commonwealth Games bronze medallists for New Zealand
Category:Netball players at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Category:Commonwealth Games netball players for New Zealand
Category:Medallists at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Category:ANZ Championship players
Category:ANZ Premiership players
Category:Northern Mystics players
Category:Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic players
Category:Southern Steel players
Category:Northern Stars players
Category:Central Pulse players
Category:Samoa female rugby sevens players
Category:Samoa international rugby sevens players
Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Samoan descent
Category:People educated at St Cuthbert's College, Auckland