WA Take Youthful Team for 21/U Carnival

The 21/U National Netball Championships get under way on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast next week with Western Australia taking a youthful squad that it hopes can spring some surprises.

The squad led by WAIS Head Coach Michelle Wilkins contains several WAIS scholarship holders who are also eligible and will represent their state at April’s 19/U national carnival.

WAIS athletes; Jessica Anstiss, Sophie Garbin, Annika Lee-Jones, Nicole Lendich, Jessica Penny, Kaylia Stanton, Numi Tupaea and Phoebe Wilcox will wear WA colours with five of those members due to play both age groups.

Stanton represents one of the more experienced options for the WA side, with the goal shooter having represented Australia at Youth World Championship level as well as being on the West Coast Fever’s contract roster.

There’s extra incentive for Australia’s brightest young talent to perform at next week’s 21/U National Netball Championships with Australian 21/U coach Tania Obst confirming this year’s squad would not only form camp, but it would also play a crucial role in preparing the Australian Diamonds for August’s Netball World Cup in Sydney.

“It’s an exciting year in netball full stop with Sydney hosting the Netball World Cup and an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our 21/U team to be immersed in that build up,” Obst said.

“There’s so much these athletes can take out of that experience so hopefully this series will really prepare them for bigger and better things.”

The 21/U titles run between March 10-15 at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium and the national squad will be announced at its conclusion. Aside from the chance to train with the Diamonds, Obst also noted that a large proportion of last year’s age squad went on to earn ANZ Championship contracts.

“Last year’s Australian 21/U team had 10 girls who now have contracts with ANZ Championship teams, so it is a very big achievement to make this team,” Obst said.

“It’s a great honor individually as well as pushing your case for selection to an ANZ Championship roster and, hopefully, onto the Diamonds.”

-withNetballAus