South Australia was represented by SA Nunga Netball who had five teams and SA Outback Netball Club who had four.
Three of SA Nunga Netball’s teams came home as champions winning the 12 & Under, 14 & Under and 16 & Under divisions, only missing out on claiming the 18 & Under title.
Christine Glenn, Assistant Coach for the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) Aboriginal Netball Academy, attended the championships as a spectator and said that this was an important event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes.
“This experience is an important opportunity for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in netball as it helps build their confidence and hunger for the game on the big stage.”
She has seen the benefit of the championships for her own step-daughter Deja-Lee O'loughlin who captained the SA Nunga Netball 16 & Under to victory.
“This event has done wonders for Deja-Lee’s confidence in netball. She's developed more as a player, her voice and leadership on court.”
The championships also provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes the opportunity to connect with each other and form lasting bonds.
“The friendships formed from not only across the state but the country is beautiful to watch for our communities,” says Christine.
There were many stand-out performances from our South Australian athletes across the championship, but two athletes picked up individual accolades. Lakeesha Pickett was awarded the 18Us Sportsmanship Award and Demi Holloway picked up the 12Us Most Valuable Player Award.
There were also a total of eleven athletes (ten from SA Nunga Netball and one from SA Outback Netball Club) who were selected to represent Budgies Netball in national carnivals during 2020.
The next National Indigenous Schoolgirls Championships will be held in Darwin in January 2021.
SA Nunga Netball Placings
- 12Us – Red (1st Place)
- 12Us – Blue (9th Place)
- 14Us (1st Place)
- 16Us (1st Place)
- 18Us (6th Place)
SA Outback Netball Club Placings
- 12Us (3rd Place)
- 14Us (4th Place)
- 16Us (8th Place)
- 18Us (12th Place)
