Diamonds selections Jenner, Koenen living a dream Call-up a sparkling moment
EMOTIONS ran high for Kim Jenner when she received arguably the most important call of her netball career.
The Townsville product has been in sensational form for the Queensland Firebirds, and that has been recognised with her first selection in the Australian Diamonds squad.
While international fixtures will not return until next year, Jenner’s rise to the sport’s summit – along with Magnetic Island junior Cara Koenen – has been the culmination of years of dedication working towards a moment she never thought she would achieve.
“It’s actually unreal, I can’t believe as an eight-year-old when I started playing that I’d get in the Diamonds squad,” Jenner said.
“Watching those girls growing up it didn’t seem like something I could do, so it’s crazy playing at this level.
“I called my mum and dad (straight away), they have been absolutely pivotal to my whole netball journey.
“They’ve sacrificed a lot to let me play and they were so excited, they ride the highs and lows with me so it’s as exciting for them as it is for me.
“It’s so exciting to see how amazing Cara has grown and really performed, she’s absolutely killing it. It shows how strong the depth Townsville has. You can grow up playing in regional places and still make the top level.”
Two Constellation
Cups are set to take place in 2021, with the series against New Zealand originally slated for October postponed until next year.
Jenner’s consistency has been a key feature of her 2020 Super Netball season with the Firebirds – registering 24 intercepts, 14 defensive rebounds and 74 deflections to emerge as a genuine off the ball threat in Australian netball. The 22-year-old will be joined by Sunshine Coast
Lightning star Koenen, in the pair’s maiden national squad, with the shooter heading into today’s semi-final with Melbourne Vixens as the competition’s fourth-highest goal scorer.
Despite her side missing out on finals, Jenner’s Queensland outfit managed to overcome the minor premiers in Cairns.
The win enabled the Firebirds to finish the season in strong form, rising to finish fifth with a platform to build on for next year.
“That game was so important to us, even after we couldn’t make finals every single game we wanted to take with both hands – we had so much to prove,” Jenner said.
“We started the year a little bit flat but it’s been awesome to see everyone improve every single game and learn from each game and grow.”