The Ramirez-Smith triplets have reunited for the 2020 Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League at Southside Demons.
It’s been a long journey for the aboriginal sisters who grew up in Port Hedland playing netball together supporting and chasing their dream of one day playing elite netball.
This dream is becoming a reality with all three girls playing in the highest-level competition in this State. Lauren and Roberta were promoted from the Demons’ U20 squad and Jacinta has moved across from Curtin Hamersley Comets to join her sisters.
Southside Demons Head Coach, Josie Janz-Dawson said this sisters’ appointment to the club is a step towards their goal, as the GIG WANL is the primary pathway to the West Coast Fever program.
“Lauren, Bobb and Jacinta are hard to separate as they have such a deep connection that draws them together, both in training and in games.” Janz-Dawson said.
“They have an incredible drive to consistently be better and do better and it is amazing to get that out of one athlete, but to get it out of three; we are the lucky ones.”
They first experienced representative netball, when at the age of 14, the sisters were selected in the North-West Region team to compete in the Academy Cup Championship, held in Perth; just one of the many player pathways Netball WA have implemented.
The sisters are grateful for the sacrifices their parents made to relocate from the regional town, to Perth, leaving their family behind to provide more opportunities for both their careers and playing future.
Lauren reflected on her experiences saying, “I’ve learned to take every opportunity that you are given and work hard to create them for yourself, even if it takes years. If you work hard and are committed, opportunities will come your way and that is for everything you do, not just sports.”
Jacinta said netball has helped shape her beliefs and values, “I love the idea of being able to work together in a team where you get that support and encouragement each and every training, and it’s really rewarding to see all of our hard work come together in games, whether we win or lose.”.
“Being Indigenous and studying, and playing netball is something that you don’t see every day (especially from country towns). So, what I think is interesting about my journey is when I look back at the progress and growth, and how I got to where I am today, I do enjoy reflecting on it.” Jacinta said.
Southside Demons continue to raise awareness and promote the importance of inclusiveness within the club and engagement with the broader community with a strong focus on supporting Indigenous players to build confidence and pride in their cultural identity.
The Ramirez-Smith sisters know that their story is unique, but that their journey is not so different from other young Aboriginal people growing up in country towns that are aspiring to be the best version of themselves.
