Why culture is key to one rising star

By Stephanie Smarrelli

Not all 16-year-old's can say they've been able to represent their state at their chosen sport. 

But for NSW product Acacia Elers she's about to step out on the netball court to do just that. Elers will be making her state debut at the National Netball Championships, a dream come true for the teenager.  

Hailing from the Awabakal lands of Newcastle, Elers is a proud Māori girl from the Tu Wharetoa and Tainui tribes of New Zealand and Koori girl from the Worimi tribe. 

For Elers, representing her culture while playing netball is extremely important. 

“Culture is very important to me and my family and to have the honour of being one of just a few First Nations athletes to be selected to play at Nationals is so special,” she said. 

“To be a role model is something I pride myself on and to show the younger generations that with hard work and dedication it is possible to play at a high level. I feel lucky to represent my mob, community and family.” 

A fan of Suncorp Super Netball and the Origin Diamonds, Elers looks up to fellow First Nations athletes Donnell Wallam and Leesa Mi Mi. 

"'I'm really inspired by them because there's not many First Nations athletes in that higher level,” she said.  

As a wing defender and centre court player, the other SSN athlete Elers enjoys watching is Jamie-Lee Price, due to the strength she displays on court. 

When asked which position she prefers, Elers believes she is a wing defence at heart. 

“I like a good battle with the wing attack and putting heaps of pressure on to get a turnover,” she said. 

Reflecting on finding out she made the state team for NSW, Elers said was "shocked" and it was a dream come true. 

“It was a goal I set but was unsure if I’d get there as I know the calibre of players in NSW is huge and coming from Newcastle it's a big achievement,” she said.   

“Being able to represent the Hunter region of NSW and play alongside my two friends Ellie Stacey and Tilly Percival is amazing. I also get to play with other friends especially Harlym Jennings and the girls from across NSW instead of playing against them.” 

Looking ahead to the championships, Elers is excited to hit the court for the first time. 

“I'm looking forward to putting everything out there, playing well, being a good teammate on and off the court and ultimately doing my job to help get the gold with the New South girls,” she said. 

Elers, is currently the squad captain for her high school's Netball Sports Academy and has represented BNC Netball Club as well as The Junction Hotel in the Newcastle Netball Association.  

She also takes to the court for Central Coast Heart in their metro team and is a training partner for the Central Coast Heart 23s Premier League team. 

With so much netball in her life, Elers admits it can be difficult having to travel long distances for games. 

"There's heaps of travel which is lots and lots of petrol money. When need to stay overnight in Sydney or somewhere else it becomes a bit expensive which is challenging for us,” she said. 

The teenager's netball journey began as a youngster in under sevens. She picked up a netball, following in the footsteps of her family with many of her family members still playing today.  

“As a family having a common interest is very special as we love the game and can support one another at the various levels we all play or have played,” she said. 

"We have so many friendships and connections thanks to netball. Those friendships have developed and turned into such close relationships that we class our friends as family now.” 

Watch all National Netball Championships matches live and on demand on KommunityTV.