The GIANTS are pleased the announce the 18 athletes selected in the GIANTS Netball Academy for 2021.
The Academy provides athletes selected the opportunity to train in an elite environment as they work towards National identification and progress to contracts within Suncorp Super Netball.
GIANTS Netball Academy Manager, Jenny O’Keeffe, said she was thrilled with the calibre of athletes that nominated for selection.
“It was exciting to have over 150 players nominate across both academies and rewarding for us to be in a position to re-select most of our 2020 squad,” she said.
“We are excited about all our new athletes and also thrilled that we have been able to increase the opportunities to regional athletes as we welcome Jasmine Hyde from Hastings Valley to our GIANTS family.
“Jasmine is a talented young shooter who we are certain will take full advantage of all GIANTS Academy have to offer and we look forward to being an integral part of her netball future.”
While the Australian Netball League (ANL) was somewhat the flagship to the initial purpose of the program, it is not the full scope.
In the absence of ANL in 2021, GIANTS Netball Academy intend to select and submit a team to compete in the new Australian Netball Championship in September.
Like a lot of things, 2020 provided some challenges for the Academy in its first year of operation.
“Obviously it was challenging, but the dedication from our staff was outstanding, as they worked tirelessly to deliver even more of an individualised program for the girls than originally anticipated,” said O’Keeffe.
“Via numerous zoom gym, skill and education sessions, our program actually kicked along during our COVID isolation and all players returned fully fit, excited and ready to hit the court.
“With our strict protocols in place we were able to get back into the gym and on court in early July which was a bonus and allowed for a solid lead into the Premier League Season.”
2021 Academy Squad:
Luana Aukafolau – Liverpool City
Eliza Burton – Ku-ring-gai
Selene Chadrawy – Illawarra District
Taylah Davies – Illawarra District
Jemma Donoghue – Manly Warringah
Charli Fidler – Manly Warringah
Ang Frketic – Blacktown City
Jasmine Hyde – Hastings Valley
Emily Moore – Ku-ring-gai
Erin O’Brien – Northern Suburbs
Megan O’Keeffe – Baulkham Hills Shire
Jamie Podmore Taylor – Northern Suburbs
Millie Roach – Ku-ring-gai
Olivia Rowntree – Randwick
Amy Sligar – Camden & District
Natalie Sligar – Camden & District
Ellen Spencer – Randwick
Violet Wetsteyn – Blacktown City
GIANTS Netball Training Partners will not be listed as Academy athletes moving forward.
Each Academy is allowed to select up to 22 athletes, with a few positions still in negotiation.
