1. At what age did you start playing netball? And how did you become involved?
I was 13 when I started playing netball properly (I had played a little at my primary school but not much at all). Some of my school friends were playing in a club team (Randwick Rugby) and they needed a fill in so I joined.
2. What was the first position you started playing? If that's not the position you play now, how and when did that change come about?
I played GK at state age. It was when I made the Sydney Netball Academy that my coach sat me down and told me I was going to have to start thinking about WD. I was in complete denial for a long time, but eventually started falling in love with being a wing defender.
3. What has been the hardest part of your netball career to date?
In 2018 I made the decision to put absolutely everything into getting a contract in 2019 with the GIANTS. When that actually happened I was so excited but I also felt super nervous and anxious about proving I was worthy of being there and proving to the girls I wouldn't let them down. I was getting really tight chested and really struggling to get through training for months because I was short of breath. Eventually we worked out that it was performance anxiety. It was something that took a long time to get through and sometimes I still struggle with it now. I learnt so much about the importance of the mental side of elite sport and how physical the effects of struggling mentally can be.
4. What is your go to activity when you need to switch off from netball?
I often use smiling mind the meditation app. I get very nervous and stressed sometimes and get a bit caught up in all the emotions of elite sport. I like to go down to Clovelly with a coffee and just find some time to myself to just breath.
5. Who has been the most influential person (player or coach) on your career to date?
There isn't any one person in particular. I have learn't so much for so many people. If I had to choose one person I would have to say Kiera Austin. I have always struggled with self-belief and confidence, especially in my first year in the GIANTS. Having Kiera by my side gave me more confidence than she probably even knows.
6. What's a key message you would tell your younger self in regards to netball?
Control what you can control. There are always going to be people that don't particularly like you, or don't put you in their team. Things aren't always going to go your way. All you can do is focus on you and do your best.
7. What impact has netball had your life?
Netball is my happy place. It is where I feel myself most. I love that I get to be inspired by and learn from strong, driven and well rounded women every day. Getting to play for the GIANTS now, I am starting to feel like I can have an impact on other girls lives and make a difference and that is something that I never expected so it's pretty amazing.
8. What is your greatest/proudest netball achievement?
I think running out on round 1 of 2019 for my debut game in Sydney against the Swifts. I don't remember much of the game. I was so nervous and excited but having my family and friends there and seeing how proud they were is probably my proudest moment.
9. What is the most memorable piece of advice you have received? Or most memorable quote that inspires you to train/play a certain way?
"Fall in love with the process of becoming great". I know how important it is to love what you're doing and find happiness and success in the small everyday wins because otherwise I don't think I would ever be satisfied. I would make a team and then there is always something else, something higher to aim for.
