SHOALHAVEN and Kiama Netball Association's new Metro League team the Shoalhaven-Kiama (SK) Seahawks have officially secured a position in Netball NSW's Metro League division six competition in 2021.
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The team, coached by Shoalhaven's Sean Gray and Kiama's Adam Giles, competed in the qualifying competition on Tuesday.
It was here they edged out Illawarra, Eastwood Ryde, Hawksbury City, Blue Mountains and Parramatta Auburn Netball Associations to finish in second place (behind Randwick), taking one of three spots in division six.
"I am so proud of the girls, especially with how they have trained and performed on the night," Seahawks coach Sean Gray said.
"I am pumped to be taking the team into the Metro League."
Gray's thoughts were echoed by Shoalhaven Netball Association president Kathy Rembisz.
"The team was a formidable force both on and off the court, showing dedication and determination at the qualifiers," Rembisz said.
"We also received some great feedback from umpires and other associations, with people saying that they were impressed by the skill and sportsmanship of our players.
"Having a team in the Metro League is important for the progression of elite netball in our region as it provides a huge opportunity for our players to develop their skills.
"Congratulations to all the players and coaches, we can't wait for the season to begin."
This is the first Metro League team for both Shoalhaven and Kiama Netball Associations, with the side becoming a feeder for South Coast Blaze - the local Netball NSW Premer League franchise, which both associations also support.
"We're so proud of all the girls in the Seahawks and the coaching staff of Sean Gray and Adam Giles for all the hard work to get the girls ready for the qualifiers," Kiama Netball Association president Rhonda Beedles said.
"The team's second place result was well deserved as it reflected the team's standard of play and positive attitude.
"The group has developed as a team beautifully on and off court promising a very exciting season of Metro League netball - go Seahawks."
The Metro League begins in mid-April at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park, with 18 rounds finishing in mid-September.
During the 2021 campaign, the Seahawks squad will feature Abby-Lee Edward, Courtney Edwards, Isabella Halls, Rose Hughes, Emilia Krstevski, Zali Lockeridge, Tara Malley, Hayley Manning, Jordyn Martin, Page Nichols, Kristy Robson and Brittney Rudd - with Claire Wilson and Mia Yardley as training partners.
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