TWELVE Queensland underage netballers have returned home from proudly representing their state at the recent Australian youth camps at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
The players were selected to attend the five-day camps based on their performances at the 17-Under and 19-Under National Netball Championship in April at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre.
Specialist midcourt coach Patti Farrell said all Queenslanders held their own on what is the pinnacle stage for their age.
“They got to see what the standard is at the higher level,” Farrell said.
“To mix with their national peers, and not just their state teammates, and experience living at an AIS facility with high performance behaviours is a great stepping stone for them. They have the athleticism, height and, at this stage, the drive to succeed.”
Farrell said the opportunity provided to live and train inside a high performance facility was not lost on the players.
“They had access to not only the accommodation facilities but the recovery centre, and experts in their various fields including sports scientists, psychologists and specialist coaches,” Farrell said.
“AIS and high performance behaviours were constantly reinforced. Making connections with their peers was also highly beneficial. These girls now have the opportunity of forming friendships and networks nationally which will serve them well, when and if the opportunity arrives for higher selection honours, including representing a Suncorp Super Netball club.”
17-Under Queensland representatives:
Darcie Davies
Sophia Dobson
Talitah Faifai
Gemma Hutchings
Ocean Karekare
Jayden Molo
Kaylin van Greunen
Jada Delaney (absent due to COVID)
19-Under Queensland representatives:
Ava Black
Ashleigh Ervin
Lillyana Rennie
Elsa Sif Sandholt
Isabelle Shearer
