Young talent Tashani Wyatt has taken another significant step in her netball journey, being named 2020 Netballer of the Year for the Netball SA Aboriginal Netball Academy.
The 15-year-old took out the award in her first year with the Academy, proving her potential to make a real impact on the SA netball stage and solidifying her dream of playing professional netball.
Tashani first set foot on a netball court at age seven after her family moved to Whyalla in the state’s north.
Her love for the game only grew over the years, but it was not until her family returned to Adelaide in 2019 that her eyes were opened to the possibilities in front of her.
She joined Premier League club Oakdale and started her first year with the Aboriginal Netball Academy through SAASTA.
“It’s very different (here in Adelaide) – there’s a better way to find a pathway to professional netball here,” Tashani said.
“I really like the environment that (Oakdale) has given me.
“It’s good to meet new people, especially in netball, because you learn different styles of play and how you can develop your skills.”
As for the Academy, it has given Tashani something far greater than just developing her game: a new-found connection to her culture.
“I feel much more connected to culture since joining the Academy,” Tashani said.
“I love being around all the other Indigenous girls and having something in common.
“Other than my sister, I’ve not grown up playing with many Indigenous girls, so it’s been great.”
For Tashani, taking out Netballer of the Year was the gratification she needed to pursue her dream.
“It meant a lot to me – it means I can display leadership skills for the other girls and future girls coming through (the Academy),” Tashani said.
“I would love to play netball professionally - to be up there with Sharon Finnan-White OAM and Marcia Ella-Duncan would be amazing.”
