SWIFT TIMES FOR SHOARD

Enjoy your netball and dont get dejected with setbacks. Ive had many? along the way and Its easy to sulk and get upset,? but its much better to use? your disappointment as fuel and shock them next year Leah Shoard

CURRENTLY in her debut season in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy with the Sydney Swifts, Cordeaux Heights 19 year old, Leah Shoard has experienced a fast rise from squad member to team member.

While her speed across the court is an asset, her versatility is something that has created options for coach Julie Fitzgerald, with the Swifts still undefeated after five rounds.

After setting herself the goal of hopefully making it onto the bench and learning from experienced players like Liz Ellis and Catherine Cox, Leah who plays Goal Attack and Wing attack was quick to experience top-level action.

I was shocked to find out I was in the team, Catherine Cox was out and it was a great opportunity. Said Leah

After hearing the news Leah went back to the team motel and recalls messaging her parents but knew she had a job to do.

I knew I had to focus on the game and I made 16 from 17 which was a good start. She added

Leah recently had the thrill of a hometown crowd behind her when the Swifts played Perth in Wollongong last month.

The crowd really gets behind you at our home games in Sydney and to play in Wollongong was pretty exciting for me, I saw so many faces that I knew which was good. She added.

After playing netball for the first time in netta, as a seven year old for Dapto, Leah credits her time with the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) that allowed her to make it through the representatives ranks, which now sees her as a role model to netballers across the Illawarra, some of whom are familiar to Leah.

My little sisters friends even come up to me and ask for autographs. Its funny because Ive known them for years. She said.

I made the IAS talent squad when I was 14 and then the next year was selected into the elite squad the following two years.

The coaching from Maria Lynch (Assistant Coach at the Australian Institute of Sport), Liz Dark and Kate Gardner helped me make the next step.

Local netball fans are set to hear from Leah each fortnight when she writes for the Kiama Independent exclusively throughout the remainder of the season.