Australia’s FAST5 netball team has today been announced for the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.
Following the recent National Netball Championships, the 10-strong contingent will don the green and gold as the sport joins the program for the first-time.
Selected in the 10-player squad is GIANTS Academy athlete Monika 'Otai.
17-year-old 'Otai is a tall, versatile goaler who can play across both shooting positions.
'Otai's potential was recognised by the GIANTS at a young age, with the exciting prospect having been a member of the GIANTS Academy for the past two years.
Modelling her game on the likes of GIANTS' own Jo Harten, 'Otai has been a part of the NSW 17U side who won gold at the 2021 National Netball Championships and most recently a member of the 19U NSW side who took out at silver at the 2022 tournament.
'Otai is one of four National 19U representatives, with the remaining six positions filled by members of Netball Australia’s 17/U squad.
Netball Australia’s Pathway Head Coach Anita Keelan congratulated the selected athletes.
“It is always an honour to represent your country and even more exciting to see our next generation of netballers play at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games,” Keelan said.
“It will be great to see firsthand the growth that these athletes will experience by being a part of the Australian team.”
Hosts Trinidad and Tobago, along with Australia, England, South Africa, Botswana, Canada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Scotland will all take to the court at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex from 8-10 August.
Australian FAST5 Netball Team – Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games:
Nicola Barge (NSW)
Georgie Cleaver (WA)
Jada Delaney (QLD)
Sasha-May Flegler (QLD)
Gemma Hutchings (QLD)
Mia Lavis (VIC)
Monika ‘Otai (NSW)
Tabitha Packer (SA)
Lucy Voyvodic (SA)
Clara Wigley (WA)
Team officials:
Elissa Kent (Head Coach)
Anita Keelan (Assistant Coach/Team Manager)
Kandice Goodwin (Physiotherapist)
