A Southern River College student is heading to Queensland later this month to compete in the Indoor Netball Federation of Australia’s Junior Netball Nationals.
Zvannah Nicholson, 13, is one of the youngest to be selected for the under 14 team after a stellar performance in tryouts.
The year seven student has been playing since 2014 and credits her mother, aunties, cousins and sisters for her achievement.
“They are very supportive of me,” she said.
“My mum is my coach and my manager.”
Despite some setbacks, Zvannah said she is strong and determined.
“I really enjoy playing netball,” she said.
“I also love a good challenge, especially if the players are taller than me.”
Zvannah said she cried when she found out she was going to Queensland play netball.
She said her dad sat her down and told her they needed to talk.
“I thought I was in trouble,” she said.
“But he told me I had been picked for the team and I started crying.
“I’m so excited about this, it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
Zvannah, who plays defence, loves the game and competes at the Southern Districts Netball Association with her team Mixed Up.
Coaches and umpires described her as an energetic, enthusiastic and strategic player who has a great ability to read the ball.
Zvannah said she would tell other players interested in sport to not be afraid to give something new a try.
Her mother Susanne Nicholson said her family were very proud of her daughter.
“There is also extra support from the City of Gosnells,” she said.
“Not many people know they offer sponsorship which is great.”
