Youngster nails spot in state squad

Narre Warren South netballer Alisha Young has been selected in the Victorian Under-16 Catholic Netball Association squad. 20905

By Marc McGowan
IF practice makes perfect then Narre Warren South netballer Alisha Young can look forward to a successful career on the court.
When the aspiring goal shooter-goal attack is not nailing shot after shot at training, she is honing her offensive skills in the backyard ring.
The hard work finally paid off this month when the 14-year-old was selected in the Victorian under-16 Catholic Netball Association squad – her first state team.
“I wasn’t expecting to get in because I was bottom age and they normally don’t take bottom-age people,” she said.
“There were four trials then they cut it down to a squad of 15 then picked 12. I was really nervous – I didn’t want to make a mistake.”
Young joins good friend and Cranbourne and Palladians team-mate Tara Cecil in the side that will compete in Adelaide in September.
The Year Nine Kambrya College student also almost made the Victorian Secondary Schools’ Sports Association squad last month before being cut with only 25 players left in contention.
“This has really helped my confidence,” Young said.
“At the start of this year I got asked to play for (State League side) Palladians – I didn’t try out, they just asked me – and I thought, ‘maybe I’m actually really good at this’.”
While Young’s diligent training has seen her reap the rewards, it seems her genes may also have played a part.
Her mother Dianne represented Victoria in netball many times at junior level.
But regardless of the reason for Young’s success, her father Andrew is ecstatic at his daughter’s achievement.
“I’m over the moon – as you would be. I’m very happy,” he said.
Young, who also plays basketball for the Pakenham Warriors, will train an extra four hours a week with the state team in the lead-up to the national tournament.
“I don’t know much about (the competition), but it will probably be really hard,” she said.
“Tara told me it’s fun, but it’s the toughest netball I’ll ever play.”