HELENSVALE REALLY ON A HIGH THANKS TO TALENTS
THEY’RE the Gold Coast netball powerhouse who lay claim to an incredible nursery of talent.
Under the tutelage of former Diamond and Queensland Firebird Joanna Morgan, the Helensvale State High netball academy has gone from strength to strength.
Recently named a finalist for Netball Queensland’s school of the year due to their development pathways, Helensvale claim Aussie, state and Sapphire netball talents.
From Reilley Batcheldor, an Australian under-17 rep and member of the elite talent program, to Queensland player Kirstyn Lole, Bull Sharks under-16 players Keeley Batcheldor, Lili Turner and Anika Renata and Queensland schoolgirls Ngahuia Te Rere, Indianah Manaia and Jayda Piakura, Helensvale’s nursery is one of the Coast’s best.
Helensvale’s junior and senior sides have also featured in the top 16 of the Vicki Wilson Cup for the past three years, with the seniors runnerup for the past two years in the state final while their juniors are ranked No.5 in Queensland.
While many players are “knocking down the door” to attend Helensvale, Morgan says that it’s the school’s off-court culture that is producing the dominance.
“We align with Netball Queensland’s development goals and for us it’s not just about performance on court,” she said.
“We want them to be a good person on and off the court and grow players individually because that’s going to ensure we get good performances as a group.
“Without good culture, you’re not going to get performance.
Helensvale will continue their Vicki Wilson Cup campaign when finals start on September 21.