Spotlight on SWAS Netballers Sarah, Jedah and Chloe…
For this Spotlight we take a bit of a different approach! The three athletes chosen are the first of a three part, identical question series!
We are hoping by asking these questions that we will see how everyone has different perspectives and different ideas when asked the same questions on the same subject.
So let’s begin!
SPOTLIGHT ON SARAH TUNSTALL:
What led you to netball?
I actually had a friend that asked me to play for a side as they didn’t have the numbers and I said yes. I’m very glad I did agree to play. I always have known about netball but this was the first time I was going to play netball out of school.
Can you explain how your journey in the sport began?
I played my first game of club netball when I was 11 against Cavendish. I remember playing shooter and I found that the game came very naturally to me. I started quite late compared to my teammates who had started at an earlier age. During that season I played mostly GS but also transitioned into the midcourt. That year also lead to us winning the grand final so my first season was definitely a memorable one.
Why do you enjoy netball and what is your favourite part of the game?
I love most sports but I have stuck with netball because it has come so naturally to me. I love meeting new people and netball has opened many great opportunities for me. My favourite part of the game is being in a team environment and getting challenged while also having fun.
What is your favourite position on the court?
Centre and Goal Attack are my favourite positions on the court.
What does your training involve?
At the moment I train with two teams, a junior and senior side and also the gym training’s that SWAS offer. I have loved the Netball sessions that SWAS also provide and have trained with inter-league teams throughout the seasons.
What is your favourite/least favourite part of training?
My favourite part of training is getting the opportunity to play some half court or play a scratch match. My least favourite is passing during warm-ups, I’m usually ready to start using my head a bit more.
Do you have to be rigid with your diet as part of your training and competition?
Game days I try to eat as nutritiously as possible but most days I am pretty flexible and don’t do anything extra with my food choices.
Can you tell us about your favourite pre or post game food favourites?
I always eat breakfast pre-game and my favourite would be eggs on toast. Post-game I like something sugary to get my energy back quickly and I try to go for something like a salad roll to replenish.
How long have you been involved with SWAS?
I have only been a part of the program for this year.
What is one thing you would tell people if they asked you about SWAS?
I would tell people that SWAS has given me plenty of knowledge to take away to further my skills and understanding of netball and it has been so fun meeting new people.
Have you had any particular favourite memories from within your sport?
My favourite memory is of my first grand final. I remember it being quite cold and playing goal shooter for the match. Winning the Best and Fairest last year is also something I will never forget. I do also have plenty of good memories associated with my basketball career.
Does anyone else in your family play netball or a team sport?
Yes my younger brother plays netball and also football and basketball. My Dad played basketball and football and Mum played Netball.
Tell us a little about your family!
My family grew up in small country towns and are happy that I get these sort of opportunities. My family actually pushed me towards swimming as my first sporting path but as I grew older I switched to sports my friends played. My brother and I actually got to play our first game together this season as he was just filling in!
Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions?
I always have to stretch my quads and shoulders and have to take some shots even if I’m not shooting.
Have you ever had any injuries? If you did, what rehab was involved and did SWAS help in that process?
Yes I have had 2 fractured wrists and a fractured knee cap that required some physio. And just the few rolled ankles and corkies. I luckily haven’t sustained any injuries during my time with SWAS.
What advice would you give someone wanting to give netball a try?
Just do it. If you ever get the opportunity take it or you might miss it. It’s played a little differently to other sports but anyone can pick up the rules quickly. It’s fun, competitive and anyone can play.
Netball is a team sport, do you find the challenge of having to do your best for a team a motivator for you to play harder, work harder, train harder or try harder during the game?
It is a big motivator. It goes both ways with your teammates if you see that someone is a bit off, you lift so they can lift, or it can go the other way round. I like to think that I try enthuse my teammates as much as possible and bring lots of energy to games and training.
What different levels have you played at?
With netball the furthest I have competed is with Inter-league. With basketball I have been lucky enough to have attended the Gold Nugget basketball camp. At a younger age I have been able to further represent basketball but now as I have gotten older more Netball opportunities are available.
Do you think living in South West Victoria makes it easier or harder in your sport?
I think it makes it easier. There are so many leagues to play in and compared to other parts of the state we have good numbers of participation and it is still easy to play netball at a higher level.
Where is your favourite local venue to play?
Our club is currently having new courts built and since this venue is so close to home I can easily call it my favourite.
If you could explain the game to someone who has never played before, how would you explain it to them?
I would start with explaining obstruction because that is what people seem to get most confused about. I’d let them know what part of the court they are allowed in and reassure them of what a fun game it is.
I’d like to thank…
Firstly I would love to thank my parents for all the transport, costs etc. your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. The coaches have been so helpful and a special thanks to Sarah Wall as your session was a huge highlight.
SPOTLIGHT ON JEDAH HUFF:
What led you to netball?
I started playing football while my sisters were playing netball and eventually I played netball with my friends too.
Can you explain how your journey in the sport began?
I really wanted to play sport with my friends.
Why do you enjoy netball and what is your favourite part of the game?
It is a real team game and you have to work together. No one person can play the game on their own
What is your favourite position on the court?
GA or GK
What does your training involve?
SWAS once a month, junior and senior training from 5-7.30pm on a Thursday night and Western Region training.
What is your favourite /least favourite part of training?
Favourite-seeing my team mates that I only catch up with at netball. Least-all the running!
Do you have to be rigid with your diet as part of your training and competition?
No but I try to eat healthy most of the time.
Can you tell us about your favourite pre or post game food favourites?
I don’t really have any as long as I have had some.
How long have you been involved with SWAS?
Just this year
What is the one thing you would tell people about if they asked you about SWAS?
It’s good to get to know new people in your sport, it teaches you new skills and also gives you the skills to be able to include being an athlete in your life now and in the future.
Have you had any particular favourite memories from within your sport?
Winning the qualifying final in overtime last week.
Does anyone else in your family play netball or a team sport?
My 2 sisters play netball and my brother plays footy, cricket and basketball.
Tell us a little about your family!
Mum, dad, Ayla 18, Tillee 17 and George 12.
Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions?
No
Have you ever had any injuries? If you did, what rehab was involved and did SWAS help in that process?
No I’ve been very lucky (touch wood!)
What advice would you give someone wanting to give netball a try?
Have a go! It’s so much fun and a great team sport.
Netball is a team sport, do you find the challenge of having to do your best for a team a motivator for you to play harder, work harder train harder or try harder during a game?
Yes I definitely do! I love my team and I always push myself to work harder so I don’t let them down.
What different levels have you played at?
Junior, senior, schoolgirls, interleague and State Titles teams.
Do you think living in South West Victoria makes it easier or harder in your sport?
Definitely a lot more travel!
Where is your favourite local venue to play?
Penshurst
If you could explain the game to someone who has never seen netball before, how would you explain it to them?
It’s like playing piggy in the middle or keepings off. Really the only way to get the ball is with a clean intercept or a rebound. It’s a very fair game because everyone gets a fair go at goal because the centres alternate.
I would like to thank… My mentor, SWAS coaches, team coaches and teammates. I have really enjoyed the SWAS experience and opportunities and the great variety of stuff we did.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHLOE MANUELL:
What led you to netball?
Friends and enjoying the fitness netball provides
Can you explain how your journey in the sport began?
Started at school in sports class and then played at North Warrnambool Eagles and the stadium
Why do you enjoy netball and what is your favourite part of the game?
I like the fitness side of things and the friendships I have made over the years also the different coaching techniques
What is your favourite position in court?
Favourite position is probably C
What does your training involve?
It involves teamwork fitness and skills
What is your favourite/least favourite part of training?
Favourite part is getting fit least favourite is when it’s over
Do you have to be rigid with your diet as a part of your training and competition?
I don’t really have to diet as I am a very active person
Can you tell us about your favourite pre-or post game food favourites?
My favourite food pregame is fruit in the post-game is jam doughnuts and orange juice
How long have you been involved with SWAS?
I’ve been involved with SWAS since the start of 2019
What is the one thing you would tell people if they asked about SWAS?
SWAS is all about fitness skills and friendships.
Have you had any particular favourite memories from within your sport?
I was chosen in the inter league team in 2018 and 2019 winning both of the grand finals.
Does anyone else in your family play netball or a team sport?
My older sister Emily 17 also plays netball
Tell us a little about your family!
Firstly my family is always on the go and they always support me in all aspects
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I always tighten my shoelaces before going on court
Have you ever had any injuries? If you did what rehab was involved and did SWAS help in that process?
I’ve been lucky enough in netball as I have had no injuries at all. But I would strongly agree that SWAS would help me if I did
What advice would you give someone wanting to give netball a try?
I will definitely advise anyone to do netball as it benefits your fitness and you make lots of new friendships
Netball is a team sport, do you find the challenge of having to do your best for a team a motivator for you to play harder, work harder train harder or try harder during a game?
My motivator would definitely have to be all of my SWAS coaches and my netball coaches as they encourage me to do my best
What different levels have you played that?
I have played under 12’s for two years under 13s for two years under 15s for two years and filled in for under 17‘s in 2018 I have also played interleague under 15s twice
Do you think living in Southwest Victoria makes it easier or harder in your sport?
I find it easier as there are many opportunities and everything is close by
If you could explain the game to someone who has never seen netball before how would you explain it to them?
Netball is a noncontact sport and includes constant movement
Where is your favourite local venue to play?
My favourite place to play is anywhere as long as I am playing the sport it doesn’t matter.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents for taking me to all my trainings and netball games and also all my coaches I have had throughout the year and definitely SWAS for allowing me to participate in an amazing sporting opportunity and for all the support you given me thank you.