Her role is to stop the opposition scoring goals but Sarah McIlveen has scored plenty herself in 2018.
Most recently the 15-year old was selected in Netball NSW’s Regional Talent Squad, adding to a list of achievements that includes making the Christian Schools Sports Association (CSSA) and Combined Independent Schools (CIS) sides and progressing to the second stage of the 17 and under team state trials, and has far exceeded what she wanted to achieve.
“My goal was to make phase two for the 17s trials and make the CSSA team,” McIlveen said.
“I didn’t expect to make CIS or the regional squad.”
The squad was named following the state trials, and comprises regional athletes identified by selectors as having the potential to play for NSW in the future.
McIlveen is still waiting to receive the full information about what it will entail but is expecting it will involve a lot of training sessions.
“I’m looking forward to being involved in the squad,” she said.
“It will be a great learning experience.”
Predominantly a goal defender McIlveen is also proficient at wing defence, and has even slotted into centre and wing attack on occasion, and was pretty happy with how she performed at the trials.
“I definitely got better as it went on. I think the last trial was probably the best trial,” she said adding that she felt her netball had grown over the trial process.
“I learnt a lot about performing under pressure,” she said.
Going into Year 11 at Carinya Christian School, she already has some firm goals for next year.
“I want to make it to the 17s squad next year and make it back into the CIS side,” she said.
She has already been selected in the state CSSA 16s team that will compete at the nationals on the Gold Coast.
