Captaining the Queensland 17 and under State Team is a responsibility Darcie Davies believes will allow her to help set the bar high for her teammates.
The Gold Coast-based netballer was voted in as skipper with Jayden Molo by her side as vice-captain as they travel to Tasmania for the National Netball Championships next week.
Davies, also a talented player in the AFLW pathways, feels it is her work ethic that saw her chosen to lead Queensland.
“I try to be myself and haven’t specifically tried to be captain, but I generally think I get on well with others and always play with a calm but competitive attitude on the court,” she explained.
“I give my absolute best game every time I take the court no matter how the game is going.
“I feel I encourage my team with positive feedback when I am on or off the court and I want everyone feeling like their efforts are valued.”
Like many in the 17 and under team, Molo is still developing as both a player and leader, though is looking forward to the experience against some of Australia’s best netballers.
Molo is also set to benefit from being part of the First Nations mentoring program working closely with Queensland Firebirds player Jemma Mi Mi.
The vice-captain said she is excited to work with Davies to lead a team full of self-belief as they embark on their first National Championships.
“As I’m not exactly the loudest on the team, I feel it will be a great opportunity stepping out of my comfort zone and to lead by example,” Molo said.
“As a leader I feel I have the ability to work with different people, to listen and learn from their perspectives. Also, being resilient in difficult situations, motivating and encouraging my teammates.”
Despite it being the first outing on the big stage for this squad, their newly appointed captain is also confident they have what it takes to be successful.
“As a team we have had good confidence playing in our practice matches, we have deep strength within the whole squad and great connections have formed between players,” Davies said.
“Many of us have played against or with each other as we have all come through the Netball Queensland pathways, so this is an excellent opportunity having all the in-form players wearing the Qld dress and putting our strongest team against the other states.
Netball Queensland would also like to pay credit to Baylee Boyd who was initially appointed captain, though unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury.
Baylee is still a very important and valued team member and leader in the 17U group.
We wish all players and staff the very best for the championships.
