After the biggest and best Origin Energy Premier League competition to date, we reached out to our 2022 Awards Winners to see what the past season has meant to them.
First up we chat to the recipients of the Marj Groves Scholarship.
Marj Groves AM served for many years as the Secretary of Netball NSW and held Life Membership of the organisation. This scholarship is provided in recognition of two outstanding athletes, one from the QBE Swifts Academy, and the other from the GIANTS Netball Academy.
These athletes have demonstrated outstanding talent within the program and displayed strong leadership qualities on and off the court.
In 2022 the winners were Audrey Little (QBE Swifts Academy/Manly Warringah Sapphires), and Emily Moore (GIANTS Academy/North Shore United).
Below they chat about what the Scholarship means to them.
- What did receiving the Scholarship mean to you both?
AL: Receiving this award means so much to me as I’m extremely honoured to be surrounded by incredible coaches and other athletes. I’m honoured to receive the award as Marj Groves holds an incredible legacy and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
EM: What I love about this award is that it looks well beyond your playing ability and focuses more on what else a player contributes to the Academy space. I love being part of a team and always strive to build a positive, inclusive culture where each player is supported as they chase their goals, so to be recognised for that and awarded the Marj Groves AM scholarship is extremely humbling.
- Why do you enjoy what you do?
AL: I love what I do because netball is something I’m really passionate about. I’ve played netball since I was eight years old and I’m loving it more now than ever. I’m always surrounded by friends and coaches that share the same passion for the game and motivation to be better.
EM: For me, the best thing about netball is without a doubt the friends you make. My teammates quickly become friends and family, and getting to spend time with them every week is what makes netball so enjoyable for me.
- What is your favourite memory in your time in Netball?
AL: My favourite netball memory would be winning the 19s Nationals Tournament in Hobart this year. It’s been a tough ride the past couple of years with Covid so to come out on top with my best mates was an incredible feeling.
EM: This one is an easy one. Winning the Opens Premier League title in 2020 with NSU was a dream come true and will always be a highlight for me.
- How has Premier League aided your journey?
AL: Premier League has aided to my journey as its exposed me to elite athletes and allowed me also to play with them. For example, because of Premier League, I grew up playing with Annie Miller who has taught me so much and I will forever be grateful on how she plays a “sister” role in my life.
EM: The Premier League competition was a great addition in 2016 and it has continued to get stronger and stronger each year. Being able to play in a competition where you are challenged by the best athletes across the state, week after week, forces you to continue growing and developing as a player. The Premier League competition has also been critical in preparing me and others for the next step of our netball journey - such as playing in one of the NSW academies or ANC teams.
- What advice do you have for athletes starting out on the pathway?
AL: Never stop loving what you do and always embrace the friendships you make, the things you learn, the places you see and experiences you have.
EM: My top advice is to make sure you love what you’re doing, and always maintain a good netball, life balance! These days it's work, friends, family and a few other hobbies that I make time for - but they all help me maintain balance and stay in love with the sport, which is ultimately when I'm at my best.
