The tournament is right around the corner and Netball WA athletes are working harder than ever in preparation.
Like the other successful State athletes, Bianca had to go through the Fever in Time program and trials to make the squad, meaning multiple trips down to Perth.
“For the past couple of months, I've been coming down on Fridays for Saturday trainings,” she said.
“For today’s training (Thursday) I came down yesterday for match play, I just stay in a hotel and then usually on Saturdays I drive back straight after training.”
Bianca credits the support and belief of her family for being able to make so many training sessions, especially since she can’t drive herself at 15.
“My Mum and Dad drive me, but my Nan and Pop have also done it, and we get help with fuel vouchers and scholarships,” she said.
On the court, Bianca is a Goal Keeper and Goal Defence and said she has already improved thanks to State Team training.
“I’ve definitely become a lot fitter and learnt so much, everyone in this environment has been so nice and understanding,” she said.
“Mel [Rainey] has been great, every time I've had to miss something she always sends me what I need to catch up on.
“It’s tiring but all my teachers at school also understand and have been helpful.”
Bianca hopes to take as much learning as she can out of NNC next week as she continues to grow as a player.
“I'm kind of just hoping to develop more as a player and hoping to take this as a learning experience to keep preparing for the future,” she said.
Despite the challenges that come with being a regional athlete, Bianca would encourage her peers and younger athletes to give it a go.
“Don’t give up, believe in yourself,” she said.
“After trials I was doubting myself, so try not to count yourself out and just believe in yourself.”
You can watch the Netball National Championships next week on KommunityTV.
