From a young age, Charlotte has enjoyed learning and being competitive in sporting environments. Initially wanting to become an Olympic swimmer, Charlotte pursued netball not only because of her passion for the sport and the many female role models in the sport, but for the unity found in playing with teams.

With the support of her family and her strong dedication to netball, Charlotte represented Armidale District netball in the U15's and also represented Glen Innes Netball in the opens age group. With this determination and the opportunities and experiences presented to her through NIAS, Charlotte was successful when trialing for the NSW U17's development squad.

Charlotte continued to gain a position each year in this development squad for the following three years. During this time, Charlotte and her parents travelled nine hours from her hometown (North Star) to Sydney every weekend for three to four months each year to train with the squad.

Charlotte's hard work paid off when she was in year 12 as she landed a spot on the NSW U19's team to play at Nationals.

However Charlotte recognises that this success didn't come from playing well in the trial alone.

"Gaining my blue dress didn't come from one trial, it came from the foundations of playing netball with many different players across the state, travels near and far, and my friend's, teacher's, mentor's, coach's support," she said.

After moving to Sydney the following year, Charlotte again made the state development squad, and also managed to represent the Northern Territory at Nationals in the U19's team. Following this she gained a scholarship with the NSW Institute of Sport, successfully trialed to become a training partner for the Australian Netball League Waratahs and in 2020 on top of continuing playing for North Shore United, has gained a tier two position in the QBE Swifts Academy - a key pathway to playing for the NSW Swifts in the Suncorp Super Netball.

Whilst netball is Charlotte's focal sport, swimming remains a strong part of who she is.

Upon reflecting on her time in the swimming program at NIAS, Charlotte stated "...it aided me with the tools/skills/experience to be a better person physically and mentally".

In addition to her university studies and netball playing, Charlotte has become a Learn to Swim Teacher where she takes great joy in passing her skills onto younger generations.

Charlotte's message to current NIAS athletes is to "...look at your journey and don't take yourself out of the game because of self-doubt, ever. Have perseverance and go back to basics, but definitely have fun".

ATHLETE PROFILE: Georgie Auld

Hometown?

Quipolly

What NIAS program are you in?

I am in the 2020 "Athletics NSW" Athletics program

What athletics events do you compete in?

I compete in the 400m and the 800m races

Who is your favourite athlete?

400m Australian Olympic gold medalist Cathy Freeman

Who has been your greatest influence on your sports career?

My coach, Adrianne Rankin

What goals do you have with athletics?

I'd like to improve my performance to achieve better results