Netball is a way of life for the gifted young athletes at Mercy College and St Patrick’s College Mackay.
With a proud tradition and first-class Netball Excellence program, both schools have proved a thriving nursery for the region’s emerging netballers.
St Patrick’s College and Mercy College will parade their pool of talent when they co-host the upcoming CQUniversity Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnivals in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.
Just like their rugby league cohorts, the Mercy and St Patrick’s College netball outfits are gearing up for strong showings on court against the best schoolgirl and schoolboy netballers in Queensland.
When it comes to on-court chemistry, they don’t come better than Mercy College’s fresh-faced Open team that will compete in the QISSN Division 5 Opens category.
Comprised of Year 9 and Year 10 students, the Mercy girls are ready to step up a class and entertain crowds with their exciting brand of netball under the coaching of experienced mentor Di Bailey.
“The girls enjoy playing together and have built an impressive record at schools’ level through their camaraderie, natural skills, versatility and sheer love of the game,” says Mrs Bailey.
“There is a real chemistry amongst the team and the quality court craft is shown in their development” she said.
Ably skippered by outstanding Capricornia representative goalkeeper Kacee Ziegeler, the Mercy squad are tipped to shine at this year’s QISSN tournament.
The inspirational Ziegeler is a player to watch in defence and shapes as a trump card with her leadership qualities, organising skills and valuable experience.
Talented goal attack and team vice-captain Camryn Zeller is currently honing her shooting skills with DAS in the Mackay Netball Premier League.
A prolific goal scorer for the Mercy team, the promising 15-year-old will play a key role in the points stakes with her unerring accuracy and cool temperament under pressure.
Testimony of Mercy College’s winning formula is the team’s versatility on the court, high fitness levels and ability to produce quality netball with a variety of combinations.
“The girls show an uncanny understanding on court and have a depth of skills that make them very competitive in tournament play,” says team manager Christine Newland.
“With our Netball Excellence Class the girls can hone those skills and build their strength and fitness during our gym visits to Athletica and Integrated Bodies” she added.
The intensive training has certainly helped reap the benefits for this outstanding young Mercy netball outfit that boasts seven Mackay representatives in leaders Ziegeler and Zeller, Pershouse, Cotter, Dinsdale, McPherson and Uriarte.
Coach Bailey proudly stated that the Mercy Netball Excellence Program had unearthed a wealth of local talent over the years.
“We also select a Year 8 Development Squad and a Year 9 Junior Vicki Wilson Shield squad that is part of the school’s Health & Physical Education (HPE) program where the students undergo intensive skills work, strength conditioning and fitness plus learn about court tactics,” she said.
Last year Mercy College captured the Mackay region’s Vicki Wilson Shield trophy for Year 7 to Year 9 players with the classy Ziegeler, Zeller, Harris, Uriarte and Dinsdale all making an impact to help the school qualify for the Vicki Wilson State Championships in Brisbane.
Mercy College will compete in the Senior Open Division 5 category at this year’s CQUniversity Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival with St Patrick’s College to show their wares in the Division One section.
Contributed by Chris Karas
St Patrick’s and Mercy College netballers will represent Mackay at this month’s QISSN Carnival
