This year’s team has been bolstered with players from the victorious team WA State School Girls 15/U. Teagan Begovic, Kate Cunningham, Halle Richards, Emily Rivers and Clara Wigley have graduated into the team with Chloe Ramsay the only returning player from the 2022 17/U side.
New 17/U Coach Guy Keane said his side’s depth and versatility would be an important part to their success in Darwin.
“Each athlete brings their individual weapons which complement the game plan and our behaviours,” Keane said.
“Our ability to make changes and adapt to the opposition will ensure we can continually apply pressure on our opponents. The team has shown excellent commitment and dedication to the program, which has put us in a positive mindset heading into NNC.
“Our work rate and intent on the court is to be the best version of ourselves has transferred into some quality match play.”
Keane said the team had connected strongly on and off the court with proven connections and combinations from the 15/U School Girls team as well as their GIG WANL clubs.
“We have had the opportunity to compete against different styles of opposition during the simulation weekend including match play against the WA Thunder 17/U Men’s Team. This has provided the team with a clear understanding of the game plan and our ability to learn and adapt in real time.”
“There is always a big focus on the athletes being able to execute basic skills under pressure and fatigue. Nationals is long tournament and being able to execute at a high level over the week will be important.”
“We have also been locking into developing the athlete’s situational awareness, developing their ability to read the game and being able to ride the momentum changes throughout a match.”
He believes one of the side’s biggest challenges will be competing against their own expectations.
“It might seem cliche, but our biggest challengers will be ourselves. The team have worked hard off the court with our sports psych to build a positive mindset, using different techniques and tools to be successful on court and respond when challenged.”
The 17/U will be led by Wigley as Captain and Grace Jooste as Vice Captain.
Keane has been impressed by the leadership already shown by the pair.
“I’m excited to see our two leaders thrive in their roles. Both are extremely talented athletes that can inspire their teammates with individual moments of magic while also driving intensity through work rate and setting the standards.”
He said young goaler Halle Richards would be a player to watch throughout the tournament.
“After the experience of winning the Australian School Sports 15/U Championships in 2022, Halle has continued to develop and grow her skill set and court craft. She will be a player to watch for now and the future.”
The 2023 National Netball Championships will be available to watch live, on-demand and free via Kayo Freebies.
17/U WA State Team
Teagan Begovic, Sienna Birkett, Kate Cunningham, Kianah Davey, Honey Harrington, Grace Jooste, Rachel Kilchenmann, Chloe Ramsay, Halle Richards, Emily Rivers, Stephanie Towie and Clara Wigley
