Koenen brings it home
CARA Koenen would turn everything into a competition with her siblings growing up on Magnetic Island – even boardgames turned into battles.
It fuelled her competitive nature, but nothing could prepare her for being thrown in the deep end in Sunshine Coast Lightning’s Super Netball grand final win over West Coast Fever on Sunday.
The youngest player in the Lightning squad, the 20- year- old goal attack was thrust into the action when starter Steph Wood copped a hit to the ribs early in the 62- 59 win.
She contributed two goal assists to help the Lightning defend their title before Wood returned, in front of a record domestic national league crowd of 13,722 in Perth.
“It was so surreal. I can’t even recall how many minutes I was on court for because I was very shellshocked and to get on court in front of all those people was very nerve- racking, to say the least,” Koenen said.
“This year has been very up and down with court time for me. I started the first four games last year, so I’ve had experience at that level, but it’s a whole other kettle of fish getting out there in a grand final.
“You don’t want to see one of your teammates get hurt, but it’s definitely something I’ll hold on to for a long time.”
The moment was the culmination of a lot of hard work for Koenen, who credits her siblings for helping drive her to the top.
Her older sister, Breanna, has played in two AFLW grand finals for Brisbane Lions, her younger sister Alyssa has represented her country at the pool lifesaving world championships, while younger brother Dirk is part of the Gold Coast Suns Academy and an AFL draft hopeful.
“My parents had to make a lot of sacrifices, not only for myself but my siblings to get where we are in our sporting careers,” Koenen said.
“That’s why I think it’s really important for those regional pathways to be there.
“Every time one of us would make a team, I’d have to make that team or go one better.
“Mum and Dad made us play every sport under the sun. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
“I’ve travelled a lot of kilometres getting to this point. It wasn’t always smooth sailing and this is why this moment is more special to me.
“I’m thankful I had the childhood I did because growing up on a tropical island, you can’t really complain about that.”
The 190cm Koenen, a former under- 19 and under- 20 representative, played Aussie rules alongside her brother and sister for the Magnetic Island Magpies, but it wasn’t long before netball won out.
“AFL didn’t go quite as well for me. I broke my arm and never returned to the sport,” Koenen said.
“As a kid I was quite tall, lanky and unco- ordinated, and missed out on a lot of things.
“It took a long time to grow into my body, I played a lot of sports, but netball was the one that stuck.
“Mum started a team including the family and our neighbours down the road, that’s when it all started.”
Koenen is keen to remain at the Lightning for a three- peat next year.
In the meantime, the friendly banter between the siblings is bound to continue.
“I don’t hold it against Breanna that she’s had two seconds and we’ve got two wins, she’s pretty dirty about it,” Koenen said.