I know it’s been a while… but it’s been an exciting few weeks! Last time I blogged, I was in the midst of my mocks. Let’s not talk about those. Sufficed to say, a bout of tonsillitis with a week in bed that knocked me sideways, led to some stressful papers and making a new best friend… shoutout to the lady in the resource centre as I was in that place all week taking these exams by myself. On an 8 week countdown to the real event… Ah! If I see another spider-diagram….
So. Back to netball. Flashback two weeks ago, my school first team travelled to York for the ISA National Finals. After some tough battles including some defence shouting ‘miss miss miss’ in my face and witnessing a full on physical fight on court, we only went and won the whole tournament! Something I’ve learned about my sport is the value of sportsmanship. Knocking ten bells out of each other should not be any players’ aspiration, should it? This leads me nicely into umpiring. Yes, of course we appreciate how hard it can be but blowing the whistle for holding the ball after just catching it is a little unfair. I think it would just be great if there was a happy balance as decisions can affect people in different ways. Obviously, this doesn’t apply to all.
On a really happy note, the day after the National Finals, I made my debut for the National Prem team for my club
. Even though we lost by four, I felt proud of myself for achieving the right to a place on that squad.
P – personal gain and positivity
R – resilience, never giving up no matter how many times you’re knocked down
O – opportunity, always grab with both hands
U – understanding my own needs and the needs of others
D – destination; how am I going to get there?
The answer to this is hard work, dedication and the ability to reflect upon what works well for me, not only in netball but my school work too. I know the last few weeks have been tough, and it will get tougher but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. I want to continue to feel PROUD and carry on doing what I do best. Don’t let anyone ever change who you are and your goal.