When 16-year-old Eshaani Atwal first stepped onto a netball court in Woolgoolga, she wasn’t chasing a dream or a representative pathway. She was simply a shy kid looking for a way to make friends.
“I actually started playing netball because I was having trouble making friends at school,” Eshaani says. “I was pretty shy, and my teacher suggested I try a new sport to meet new people and build my confidence. Netball was completely new to me and my family.”
For a girl of Indian heritage growing up in a regional town, netball didn’t immediately feel like the obvious choice. But when she arrived at Woolgoolga Netball, something clicked.
“Everyone was so friendly,” she says. “The coaches were patient and took the time to teach me all the skills. Instead of seeing my height as something that made me different, they taught me how to embrace it. It felt like a safe and welcoming space.”
That early kindness did more than help a young girl settle in — it lit a spark.
“That kindness at the start helped me fall in love with netball and want to show up every week.”
Woolgoolga is known for its vibrant Punjabi-Sikh community, but when it comes to sport — especially netball — diversity is still emerging.
“Growing up in Woolgoolga as an Indian girl, I didn’t see many people like me in sport,” Eshaani reflects. “I often felt like I was stepping into new territory.”
But rather than shy away from it, she used it as fuel.
“That pushed me to work harder and believe that girls from my background can succeed. My culture has given me strong family support and a sense of pride, and that helped me stay confident even when I felt different.”
Her selection into the North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) became a turning point — proof that she belonged.
“Making the Academy has shown me that representation matters. I hope my journey encourages other Indian and multicultural girls to give netball a go too.”
Like many regional athletes, Eshaani has battled limited access to high-performance programs, travel demands, and fewer competitive opportunities. But her biggest challenge, she says, has always come from within.
“I never felt like I was at the level of the amazing talent in the sport,” she admits. “Going from community netball to where I am now felt scary. The trainings were tougher and I worried I wouldn’t be good enough.”
What kept her moving forward was a mindset built on quiet determination.
“I got through it by backing myself, working hard and reminding myself how far I’ve come. Having supportive coaches, teammates and family also helped me keep going.”
Every athlete has a village behind them — and Eshaani’s is stitched together with love, encouragement, and tough moments that shaped her resilience.
“My mum has been my number one supporter since the start,” she says with a laugh. “On my first day of NetSetGO I refused to take the court because I was so nervous. Mum encouraged — or forced — me onto the court, and I’ve never looked back.”
Her junior rep coach, Louise, played an equally important role.
“She supported me all through my junior years. At every carnival she wrote each player a note, telling us our strengths and what we needed to work on. I still look back at my notes from when I was 12 and compare them to now. It reminds me how much I’ve grown.”
And then there’s Cass Notley, her Academy coach.
“Cass helped me back myself and feel empowered on court every time I played.”
Now proudly part of the North Coast Academy of Sport, Eshaani understands the weight — and the opportunity — of her story. She is the representation she once longed to see.
“Being selected for the Academy has shown me that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can reach your goals if you keep believing in yourself.”
She hopes other girls — especially those from multicultural or regional communities — see possibility in her journey.
“For girls who feel like opportunities are limited or people like them don’t usually make it, I want them to know: your background doesn’t define what you can achieve. Work hard, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”
And then, with a wisdom well beyond her years, she adds:
“Surround yourself with people who support you, and remember that it’s okay to be different — those differences can be your greatest strengths. Your dreams are valid. Your journey is important.”
Inspired by Eshaani’s journey? Registrations for the 2026 netball season are now open. Whether you’re new to the game or returning for another year, netball clubs across NSW offer welcoming environments where players of all backgrounds can build confidence, connection and skills — both on and off the court.
Sign up for 2026 and start your own netball journey; https://nsw.netball.com.au/club-finder-map
