Christchurch, NZ - Auckland husband and wife captain national softball teams
John Davidson/www.photosport.co.nzÂ
Husband and wife Nathan and Katrina Nukunuku are the captains of the New Zealand Black Sox and White Sox national softball teams.
It's been over 20 years since the same household boasted two New Zealand sporting skippers.
But Aucklanders Nathan and Katrina Nukunuku are now blazing a rare trail after captaining the New Zealand men's and women's softball teams.
They are following a trend set by netball great Sandra Edge, who captained the Silver Ferns in 1994, and her husband, Rodger Gray, who was the All Whites' football captain around the same time.
The Nukunukus - fresh from leading Auckland to national men's and women's softball titles for the second consecutive year - say it is a real honour to be captaining their national teams.
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Nathan, 35, led the Black Sox at the 2015 world champinships and has had considerable leadership experience and success as Auckland's player-coach.
Katrina, 27, was appointed to lead the White Sox for the first time at this month's Down Under Classic tournament in Sydney after first representing the team a decade ago. She also captained Auckland to their national title.
The couple say they don't spend all their spare time at home discussing team leadership, but softball is certainly a huge focus.
Nathan was delighted when his wife was named White Sox captain, saying she had "put a lot of work in" throughout her career and was "a very selfless" player.
"I try not to step on anyone's toes, but she picks my brain sometimes," he quipped.
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Katrina said captaincy matters "make for conversation" and she "occasionally" asks Nathan to share his experience, although "softball was part of my life before he was".
Both skippers come from families steeped in softball.
Nathan's family was deeply involved in the game in Hawke's Bay and Auckland. His older brother, Dion Nukunuku, won three world championship gold medals with the Black Sox and played alongside Nathan in two title winning teams.
Last weekend's National Fastpitch Championship series in Christchurch marked 20 years since Nathan made his national tournament debut. He has played at five world championships - winning three gold medals and two silver - and is still one of the best players in the world. He slammed four hits, including a home run, in last Sunday's NFC final victory over Hutt Valley to win the tournament most valuable player award.
Katrina also has impressive softball lineage. Her brothers Paul and Nopera Stockford have played international softball for Great Britain with Nopera also a Junior Black Sox representative. Their father, Paul Stockford, has coached the Junior Black Sox and was at the Canterbury Red Sox's helm during the NFC with another daughter, Leah Stockford, playing shortstop.
Levin-raised Katrina won national titles with the Te Aroha club and Hutt Valley representative teams before moving to Auckland.
"I turned 18 on my first tour with the White Sox and 2006 was my first world series."
She played in the 2010 world tournament in Venezuela but "wasn't there in 2012 because I was pregnant with our baby [Raika]."
Nathan proposed in 2011 after the pair had spent seasons overseas - Katrina in Italy and Nathan in Japan.
They were married on December 12, 2012 - the 12th day of the 12th month - to reflect their affinity for the number they both wear on the softball diamond.
The similarities don't end there - they are both infielders, who have been asked to deputise in the outfield and Nathan has also played for New Zealand at first base. Both are also effective top order hitters.
Katrina was grateful to be asked to lead the White Sox for the first time. "I am always proud to be part of the team, but then to be able to captain the side is a huge honour."
- Stuff
