Proud Panther loves game
The passion of country sport participants is legendary and Goondiwindi netballer Kendell Ross is doing her bit to uphold that Australian tradition in her latest season with the Darling Downs Panthers.
Long hours spent on the road to training and games along with personal and financial sacrifices are the price Ross and her kind gladly pay each week to play top-level sport.
Twenty-one-year-old Ross has been an integral member of the Panthers’ playing roster since winning her way onto the team in 2015 from the school courts of her home town.
The Panthers have largely remained a player development team since their entry into the State Netball League with the Downs region providing a pathway for young players each season.
But despite spending countless hours travelling each week to face more experienced teams from Brisbane and south=east clubs, Ross has lost none of her enthusiasm for the sport or her Panthers’ commitment.
“I live in Gundy and I travel to Toowoomba and Brisbane each week to train and play but usually my mum (Jo) or dad (Jason) come with me,” the former Goondiwindi State High and St Mary’s primary student said.
“I started with the Panthers when I finished school and came through the Darling Downs Academy where Bec Stower (current Panthers’ coach) recommended me.”
Ross works in her father’s plumbing business and in summer turns her hand to swimming instructing.
Despite the Panther’s lack of 2018 court success, Ross said the team spirit remains a driving force.
“I’m an ultra-competitive person and I really enjoy playing high-level netball,” Ross said.
“And I’m lucky enough each week to play with the greatest bunch of girls.
“We’ve got a young team again this year, but everyone always seems to fit in so well.
“Our coaching staff are also very, very encouraging and super-supportive.
“Although we are not having a winning year at every training session we are working on ways to better ourselves and we were rewarded last week playing a fantastic game before going down to the ladder leaders.
“It’s about keeping that going now in the second round.
“We always want to give 100% and I’ll definitely trial for the team again next year. “I want to keep playing.”
■ THE Darling Downs Panthers face Sunshine Coast Lynx in a round-10 home match tonight at USQ Recreation Centre from 7.30.