The Central Coast Academy of Sport has assembled their netball squad for 2023 and have their sights set on another successful season on the court.
The squad of 24 players and seven umpires came together in November following trials and were immediately put to work with intense strength and conditioning sessions, as well as two court sessions.
Lead by Head Coaches, Jess Morgan and Lee Starkey, the squad is already back in training following a short break over Christmas, with all eyes on the 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games to be held in Wagga Wagga in April.
Central Coast Academy of Sport CEO, Ian Robilliard, said this year’s squad was a good mix of new and returning squad members, and have already shown great progress through their early sessions.
“The Central Coast Academy of Sport netball program provides the best young athletes from across the region with the opportunity to train and compete at an elite level with the aim of preparing them for higher honours in their career,” Ian said.
“The coaching staff has assembled not only a very talented squad, but through the early stages of this year’s program they have also displayed a great work ethic and plenty of enthusiasm when it comes to their training."
Ian Robilliard, Central Coast Academy of Sport CEO
“Fitness and skill development will be the focus of the first training block which no doubt will reap rewards when they take the court at the Academy Games in April.”
Following the Your Local Club Academy Games, the squad will break as players head back to their respective associations to prepare for the State Titles to be held in June. They will then resume training in July before travelling to Port Macquarie in September where they will compete against 10 other Regional Academies of Sport from across the state in the Greater Bank Academy Challenge.
Greater Bank’s Community Engagement Manager, Ingrid Kaczor, said the organisation was delighted to continue its support of netball in the Central Coast region.
“Greater Bank has been a long-time supporter of grassroots netball across regional NSW and this will now be the eighth year we have partnered with the Central Coast Academy of Sport’s netball program,” Ms Kaczor said.
“This partnership not only provides financial support for the program, but we will also be conducting financial literacy education sessions in association with the University of Newcastle that will assist the athletes in their personal development off the court.”
The 2023 Squad is: Athletes Program - Ella Barrack, Jeorgia Bourke, Sienna Bottle, Emma Broadbent Jade Downs, Jayda Grant, Tylah Houghton, Ella Jessen, Mia Jackson, Grace Jones, Abby Lewis, Charlotte Neal, Gabrielle Nicholls, Keira Piggott, Tahnee Potter, Chloe Radocaj, Lara Sgaravizzi, Mia Smit, Mia Springett, Cameron Stamper, Lara Stuart, Solei Vogel, Grace Walsh, Jemma Wooden. Umpires Program - Chloe Bajada, Anna Benazzi-Keir, Mia Girvan, Charlotte Lewis, Lily Paver, Carmen Smit, Brock Starkey. Head Coach Team 1 - Jess Morgan; Asst. Coach Team 1 - Cathy Watson; Head Coach Team 2 - Lee Starkey; Asst. Coach Team 2 - Jasmyn Rodwell; Squad Manager - Donna Judge