Monalisa’s Stars Align
Gippsland Storm Elite Netball Club and Monash University Storm are very impressed with a new rising star, Monalisa Groom, originally from New Zealand. She moved to Melbourne in 2015 and started playing for Gippsland Storm in senior ranks, then moved into Championship playing for Monash University Storm in 2016. In the VNL off season, she was back playing for Gippsland Storm in division one Tuesday nights at the Waverley Netball Centre. Monalisa was recently interviewed and asked what motivated her and was there any marked difference in the way in which netball is played between the two countries. And also, what inspired her to achieve so much in such in the last two years? “I lost my mum in December 2013 which triggered my move to Melbourne. I wanted a fresh start to figure out what I wanted to do and what to strive for. I managed to gain my Certificate in Fitness 3&4 since I’ve been here. I haven’t fully figured out what I want to do but I do want to expand on what I have gained and maybe get into nutrition. I did find a difference between netball here and in New Zealand. The style of play is different and team culture. What stood out for me is passing off the shoulder and I definitely struggled with that skill for sure. In New Zealand I got taught to catch and pass from where you receive. It’s been very interesting and I have learnt a lot about myself and the game since I’ve been here” Where did you start your netball? “Netball wasn’t my first sport as I had to wait to be a certain age to play, so I took up basketball, softball and touch rugby beforehand. I played in a lot of representative teams, growing up, for my region in Wellington and was blessed and lucky enough to be coached by some legends of the game: Waimarama Taumaunu in Wellington U17 where we placed first in the Nationals Competition; and Sandra Edge in Wellington U19, where we came runners up”. What did you get from your experience? Gippsland Storm and Monash Storm: “I really enjoyed my first season with Gippsland Storm and with my coach Machaela Dwyer. She challenged me in different ways and made me think more about what I was doing and why I was doing it. Our team was full of young players and it was so great to see them grow throughout the season. Our team became very close in the second half of the year and we were unlucky to just miss out on finals. “This season we are also filled with young players and it’s only been half a season and I can already see them step up and becoming greater players. “My first season with Monash University Storm Championship, was very interesting.” I also met some great people and learnt some great skills”. What motivates you and helps you keep it together? “My faith is a big thing that inspires me to keep going no matter how many times I get knocked down. He is my why. I know God puts people into my path to help me through my journey. Also my family, are a big part of who I am, my Melbourne family, my Dad, my two brothers and family in Wellington, NZ. I’ve been very blessed to have met such great people since I’ve been here in Australia and I liked what Mac said to me once: “Us Aussies aren’t that bad”.