Hi Victoria and welcome to the South West Academy of Sport’s Spotlight On series, you have been chosen as our focus this week as you have had a particularly spectacular few weeks in your chosen sport and while we have spotlighted quite a few netballer’s previously, it would be awesome if we could ask you some questions around this and also specifically, what impact SWAS has had on your sporting career.
Firstly can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, school and what got you interested in netball?
I’m in year 10 at Emmanuel College. I have 2 older sisters and 1 older brother; they’re all quite a bit older than me and no longer live at home. My oldest sister plays and coaches netball so I’ve been going to watch her play for as long as I can remember and so it was just something I always wanted to do.
In the last few weeks your amazing form saw you take out the WDFNL Best and Fairest, and also win a Grand Final for Russell’s Creek. What was the most exciting part of both of these feats?
The best part about winning the league B&F was that it was totally unexpected. I’d had a few knee injuries, including patella tendinitis, during the season from playing footy. Luckily I only missed 1 game due to injury but I probably felt I didn’t play as well as I could have this year. Seeing that I was leading when they started the count and then to hold on to win was such a shock, but at the same time it was a really nice reward for all the hard work and training I put in. Having my team mate Charlotte come runner up made it extra special too.
The most exciting part about winning the GF was that it was practically our same team that won the U13 flag in 2017. (Only 1 new player) Most of us have been together for 4 years now, we all get along and so sharing that experience with them again was awesome.
Your coach at Russell’s Creek is also your SWAS Coach, have you found this to be a help to your form and game planning?
Yes it was. Thalia brought a few of the different drills etc that we did at SWAS over to our club training which I think helped improve us as a team.
Could you explain to our readers what Finals Netball is like and how does it differ physically and emotionally to the normal home and away season?
The pressure to play your best is a lot higher in finals. Especially when you have finished on top of the ladder there is a lot of expectation to win. Finals are usually more intense and physically harder as both teams are really determined to win. Most players tend to lift in finals so you can’t take your opposition for granted. Finals games can get a little too fast but it’s just about trying to slow it down to your own pace and do what you need to do. Finals mean so much more than regular games so I always get really nervous before a final. My hands shake really bad, but I’m all good once the game starts and I just focus on playing my part.
Being In a team sport, Premierships are always the ultimate prize, how did winning this year feel, can you explain your emotions when you realised you had won?
My first emotion was relief. It was a really close, tough game and Kolora actually got a goal in front in the last quarter, so when we got back in front and the siren went I was just so relieved. Straight after that I was really excited. It was just so great to celebrate with my team mates and coach.
Has being a premiership player changed how you feel about your future in netball?
Not really. I think all my goals are the same as what they were.
What is your ultimate goal in your netball career?
My ultimate goal would probably be to play VNL but at the moment I’d just be happy to play seniors more consistently.
Do you have anyone in particular that you look up to? Or wish to emulate?
Thalia has been my coach for 3 out of my 4 years of playing netball. She’s been a big influence on my netball and someone I really look up to and try to learn as much as I can from.
Being part of the SWAS program gives you extra support, could you please explain what your week looks like and maybe explain the best parts of your SWAS training?
I also played footy this year so my week was pretty busy with sport.
Monday – footy training,
Tuesday – senior club netball training,
Wednesday – SWAS gym and once a month SWAS netball session,
Thursday – club netball training (U15 & senior)
Friday – LOUD netball training up until the end of May then it became a rest day.
Saturday – netball game
Sunday – footy game and SWAS training once a month.
I really enjoyed the netball training sessions. It was really good to have different coaches to give you a different perspective. I think I got a lot out of them, and that they really helped improve my game.
Is there anyone in the SWAS program that you would like to thank?
I really enjoyed all the coaching sessions, so thanks to Thalia, Chris, Melissa and especially Sarah. Sarah also coached me in the U15 LOUD team for the last 2 years and I just love being coached by her. She just gets the best out of you and pushes you to improve, and I’ve really enjoyed having her coach me.
Thank you so much for being a part of our Spotlight on Series.
We would like to congratulate you on your stellar performances this year and cannot wait to watch your achievements in the coming years.