WORRIGEE’S Rachel Debruyn will get the opportunity to do what all sportspeople dream of – represent their country.
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The 17-year-old was selected in the Australian Indigenous schoolgirls netball team, after strong performances for the NSW under 18s during the January nationals, held in Sydney.
“At the tournament I went to the trials for the team, and on Friday when the teams were announced, my name was called – I was over the moon,” Debruyn said.
“To get the chance represent my country, playing the sport I love and gaining some more netball skills, will be amazing.
Debruyn and her team will have less then ideal preparation for the tournament, to be held on the Gold Coast from July 8-16.
“We can't get together for training because we live in different parts of NSW but we get emailed some training tips that we are expected to do and then we meet up before the carnival for team training,” she said.
The St John’s student hopes this is a springboard for her into future representative honours.
“This has been the highest achievement that I have ever achieved - I am so proud of myself for having the chance to represent Australia in Indigenous netball,” she said.
“In the future, my goals are to try my hardest and to be selected into my representative squad and then to be selected into the academy sides and then into the Australian Diamonds.
“Opportunities for Indigenous netball players are improving thanks to Netball Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan.”