Marlin Coast academy netballers impress
HEAD coach Heather McLaren is excited about the young talent selected for this year's Marlin Coast Netball Academy.
Thirty-five players from six associations battled for 12 places in the academy during trials in Cairns on Sunday.
Academy staff have scoured the region in recent weeks finding the best young talent, with clinics held in Cairns, Gordonvale, Innisfail, Port Douglas and the Tableland ahead of Sunday’s selection trials.
McLaren said the academy aimed to produce rounded athletes who could push for selection in state sides.
"When they come out of it they don’t just know about netball skills they know all the other important things about fitness,’’ McLaren said.
"We also spend a lot of time on time management because they are juggling netball, school, they might be working, so we don’t overload the athletes.
"The academy is also not only about developing the players but the coaches and umpires in the region.’’
Academy members work with James Cook University sports exercise students to ensure they learn the latest exercise and training techniques.
McLaren said selectors had a tough task selecting the best 12 young netballers aged 13 to 16 to join the program.
Academy squad: Stephanie Lucht, Kasikom Kakasi, Stacey Fitzpatrick, Kiara Davis, Jordon Tikitau (Cairns), Mikayla Compton (Innisfail), Rhiannon Schreiber-Blattner (Douglas). Underpinning athletes: Mahalia Ellis, Jasmine Pue, Gabrielle Flint, Demi Souvlis.
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Serious business: Rochelle Miller looks to pass in a game during academy trials. Picture: JAKE NOWAKOWSKI
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