DREAM TEAM’S COVID RAY OF LIGHT
IT IS a combination that has a young Townsville star vying for netball’s heights. And it was one born out of adversity.
Corrine Hiller has become a key cog in the Highlanders premier league side, moving up the ranks to be selected in the Northern Rays squad prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
But while trials are set to happen again in July, the 18year-old has continued to work alongside Highlanders coach Barrie Emanuel, who has been mentoring the goal defence dynamo since she was 11.
In her junior days, Hiller forced her way into the Townsville Division 1 representative side only to then miss out on selection the following year.
As soon as the team sheet was read out, she was straight into Emanuel’s ear, asking: “How do I get back into the team?”
“One thing that resonates with that is at the end of that season, putting aside the disappointment, she showed a high level of maturity,” Emanuel said. “It was nice and a defining coaching moment for me.
“Someone like Corrine will make a team and work harder again and never rest on her laurels knowing how quickly it can all be taken away from you.”
Seven years into their mentor-player relationship, Hiller’s game has continued to blossom.
All with a goal on reaching the professional ranks.
Hiller said while she was always looking to develop her skill set in her sessions with Emanuel, it was the mindset he instilled in her that would give her an edge.
While she will have to reclaim her Rays position, Hiller’s off-court efforts under the health restrictions have her steeled to justify her initial selection.
“I’m just going to prove to the coaches the initial selection was right,” she said.
“I’d like to think it gives me an edge, but I’m just going to keep my mindset in terms of everyone is doing the same work as me, so I still have to push myself.”
Full story at townsvillebulletin.com.au