Big state step for teen star
FOR young netball star Lucy Mawson, it’s all about taking her opportunities.
And to label her next step an opportunity is an understatement.
The 12-year-old Leopold Primary School student has been selected to represent Victoria in the under-12 School Sport Australia Championships in Canberra.
Lucy’s dad, Jamie Mawson, says he couldn’t be prouder of his daughter’s achievement.
“Me and my wife are just stoked for her,” said Mawson, a star local footballer who booted 103 goals in the 2000 season for Winchelsea.
“We’re just so happy for her to represent the state and I’ve always said you’ve always got to play the highest standard you can possibly play and to get to this level is hopefully step number one and good things will come out of it.
“She’s a dedicated sort of kid so me and my wife are absolutely rapt.”
Lucy, who plays primarily as a goal attack or goal shooter, was one of 12 netballers across the state selected in the final squad.
Her career kicked off at the Leopold Netball Club roughly five years ago before being selected for the Geelong Central representative side.
“The last three years I feel like she’s really taken the next step and got to that next level. Especially playing with Geelong Central rep side. She’s got some great coaches down there that have really helped her along and improved her fitness and skills,” Mawson said. “She’s very strong. She’s got strong hands, she’s quick … and she certainly doesn’t hold back.
“I’ve told her to take these opportunities while you can because once you get a bit older you’ll look back and realise maybe I should’ve went a bit harder and taken it more seriously because you can regret it when you get to 25. If you don’t take the opportunity now you’ll certainly regret it.”
The tournament takes place in September.