RIVERSTONE’S Kiara Carlson was too young to represent Australia in indoor netball last time she was selected, so plans to make the most of it this time.
Kiara, 14, will travel to South Africa in July to play in the World Indoor Netball Association’s Junior World Series.
Kiara has qualified for the under-15s age group. Two years ago, she qualified for the under-14 age group but only being 12, was deemed too young to go.
Now she is determined to prove she belongs at the international level, after representing New South Wales for the past three years.
“I was very disappointed [when I couldn’t go],” she said.
“It was upsetting because I knew I had worked so hard. It was a bit of a tease because you knew you were good enough but couldn't go.”
Kiara plays club indoor netball for the Western Magic and plays up several age groups.
At the New South Wales level Kiara also plays up an age group, which is how she ended up qualifying for the Australian team two years ago.
“Everyone in my team is a year older than me, and they were all trying out and I thought I'll do it too,” she said.
“It was nice to know I made the team even though I couldn't go.
“But it is great I am going now. I never thought I would be doing this. I never thought this would happen to me.”
The Arndell College student said the Australian team would play both a six-a-side tournament and seven-a-side tournament.
“New Zealand will be our biggest competitors. I think it will be very tough. Last year, my age group won it but I obviously wasn't there, so I am hoping we win again this year,” she said.
Kiara said it was in her blood to be competitive, and New Zealand’s reputation as good indoor netballers meant nothing.
“Six-a-side is a concept from New Zealand, so they're very good at it, and it will be a challenge, but we'll see if they can beat us,” she said.
The trip will be her first overseas one, and she said had mixed feelings about the trip.
“I am a bit scared because apparently there are going to be armed guards where we are staying, but I am also excited,” she said.
While only 14, Kiara said she had considered taking up netball as a career, and clearly has at least some talent for it.
She said Australian netballer Sharni Layton was her role model and favourite player.
“She is an amazing player. She started off in division five, people thought she was no good and now she is in the Diamonds,” she said.
“I've spoken to her a few times and I was definitely a bit star struck.”
Kiara said Arndell College was helping her out with paying for her uniform.
