Ruth Aryang and Jasmah Haywood at Nationals. Photos by: Chris Burd
Six WA athletes have been named in the 17/U and 19/U national squads for 2022-23.
Ruth Aryang, Sophie Eastaugh and Jasmah Haywood were selected among 26 athletes in the 19/U squad, and Georgie Cleaver, Aitaua Enari and Tayla Styles were named among 36 successful 17/U athletes.
Sophie Eastaugh
The selection announcement follows last week’s talent-filled 2022 National Netball Championships in Hobart, which saw hundreds of emerging athletes compete for championship titles in the 17/U and 19/U age groups.
The squad was selected by a panel made up of Netball Australia’s Chair Pathway Selector Michelle Wilkins, Pathway Head Coach Anita Keelan and selector Jenny Borlase.
Additionally, two performance panelists for each age group assessed each individual athlete’s performance in the squad selection process to aid in final decisions.
Wilkins said the level of netball displayed at the 2022 National Netball Championships gives great excitement to what can be expected of the selected 17/U and 19/U national squads.
“The talent did not disappoint selectors and supporters in Hobart,” Wilkins said.
“This competition is critical for the selection of our pathway talent and the ensuring of the Origin Australian Diamonds’ future success, and there is certainly a future Diamond listed within this year’s underage national squads.
“The quality and standard of performance was exceptional and, as importantly, the competitiveness, passion and sense of fair play was testament to the strength of our sport.”
Netball Australia's Head of Pathway Kristen Barnes supported Wilkins’ sentiment, explaining the importance of pathway opportunities on an athlete’s career and potential.
Jasmah Haywood
“It was fantastic to have our athletes back on court and performing at such a high level after two long years off,” Barnes said.
“This competition is such an integral part of our performance pathway to bring together the brightest talent from around the country.”
Of the 26 selected 19/U athletes, nine are already involved with Suncorp Super Netball clubs through training partnerships, highlighting the valuable opportunities to emerge from Netball Australia pathway programs.
This includes Western Australia’s Ruth Aryang, who is part of West Coast Fever’s extended squad.
Netball Australia will deliver training camps later this year for selected athletes as an opportunity to develop their on and off court skills and provide elite match day exposure.
Ruth Aryang
