Nearly six months have passed since Ellie Johnston learn she had been selected to represent Australia at the 2017 Junior Indoor Netball World Series in South Africa, and the smile still hasn’t left her face.
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The 16-year-old Great Lakes College, Tuncurry campus student said she was still in shock at her selection in the under 17-years team.
While this will be Ellie’s first overseas trip as an Australian representative, she played for her country in Perth with the gold medal winning team in 2015. The world championships are held every two years.
Since Ellie began playing as a six-year-old she has moved from her Great Lakes team to Maitland, Newcastle and trialled with the NSW under 12 and 14 teams.
Ellie and her nine team-mates journey to Johannesburg for the two week tournament against Australia’s traditional rivals, New Zealand, South Africa and Great Britain in July.
She learned of her selection earlier this year at the INFA Junior Nationals Presentation Dinner in Melbourne; when her name was the first to be announced.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“I was shocked.”
Playing under the New Zealand six-a-side rules, Ellie described indoor netball as an exciting team sport which was a lot of fun.
Playing with girls from other states and hearing the crowd cheer you on; motivating you to be the best was awesome, she said.
Ellie thanked the selectors for giving her the chance to represent Australia.
Proud mum Vicki said she was thrilled for Ellie.
“I have always said take every opportunity you can,” Vicki said.
Ellie has been given these opportunities through the support she has received from her parents, who have driven her to hundreds of tournaments and training session throughout the country.
At one stage her parents were driving from their Coomba Park home to Sydney weekly for training.
She will be travelling to South Africa with her dad Mark.
And, the future; Ellie has her heart set on playing as a paid professional, hopefully with the Swifts.
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
