schoolsthatrockNetball Captains. Schools That Rock kicked off with a new sport series. The captains from our schools’ first netball teams tell us more about their captaincy. Our fifth goal scored in this Netball Captains series is by Shani Pick, 1st netball team captain of Point High School in Mossel Bay.
“I started playing netball in grade 1. I am definitely passionate about netball. Every time when I step onto the court it’s like everything fades away and it just give me a type of peace that nothing else does. I also did a bit of athletics this year, but otherwise just netball.
I’m currently playing Goal Defense (GD). I have always been a defensive player, so I would switch between Goal Defense and Goal Keeper but in primary school I played Goal Attack (GA) as well.
In grade eight I was vice-captain of the u/14 A team and again vice-captain for my Western Cape team in 2018. We practice as team between two to three days per week for about two hours.
The most stressful game for me was definitely the first game I played for the 1st team which was when I was grade 9. I felt there was a lot of stress on me, seeing that I was still very young and the standards were set very high from the previous year’s players.
Short term goals
My short term goals are, firstly to lead my team to success this year. To be a role model for them and other players is a very important goal of mine and I would like to receive my Western Cape colours this year. Within the next 3 years I would like to play for Stellenbosch University.
Ranking my top five priorities in life: 1. To achieve academically; 2 My family; 3. Netball; 4. Attending church; 5. Friends.
It would be great to continue playing netball after school. Mossel Bay does have an outside club where I can take part in intense level tournaments. It would give me a lot of experience and exposure to a higher level of netball. If I could play professionally, I would want to play for the Proteas. I would like to achieve captaincy for the team and to be in the top 3 in the Netball World Cup.
I think I’m still a little unfit for the position I’m currently playing and I lack agility. The solution is to skip rope, to jog and to do footwork exercises and just to do strengthening my muscles to increase my fitness and agility.
Other interests outside of netball is to do hikes with my family very often.
Strengths
Strengths I believe I have that make me a great netball player and netball Captain? I read the game well and I communicate with my teammates. The fact that I have a desire to play the game and my belief that I can improve and develop from where I am. Furthermore I think that just being determined to play my best, makes me look like I am the best on the court.
As netball captain, I motivate my team by always trying to use loving and wise words. I also believe that any captain should work hard on the court/field so that your game and your positive attitude would rub off on the team. By doing that, they will feel the need to work harder as well.
Role model
My role model that I look up to is my friend Lee-schen Muller. She really came a long way and she’s been through so much, but each year she surprises everyone by just constantly improving her game. She went from a defense to a center to a shooter and even though she was around so much she still chose to see the positive side. I’d like to think that in following in her footsteps because she also help the title of captain last year and I really hope to live up to her standards.
After like 2 years of not playing sports, I think for most of us it’s difficult to take that step of just being active once again. After Covid-19 it’s like there is no more motivation left in the learners now-a-days. So I think the biggest challenge is the lack of motivation that was once there but not so much anymore.
I still struggle now and then managing my netball responsibilities and other recreational and non-recreational (academic) activities, but my father always reminds me to make a timetable and a list of all my priorities to improve my time management and make my life easier and stress free. I found that it does work to make a timetable for yourself and you obviously have to stick to it. My routine: I have school and then it’s netball practice. Some days I have extra maths straight after netball and then I do my homework or I study. Some days I’d be lucky if I get time to take a nap.
Team work
What I have learned about team work: I’ve learnt that every player has their strengths and weaknesses and that all seven of them have a special role to play on the court. No one is more important than the other one and the most important thing is to bond with everyone on the team. I believe that if the relationship between the players is good, the way that we play will be great.
My short term goals are always when we travel to play games away from home. Being cramped up in a bus for a few hours gives you time to connect, whether it’s over conversation or singing along with the music. For me, being captain, brings me joy for the simple reason of guiding the players and just helping and motivating them to be the best version of themselves, whether it’s on the court or in the social life.
Implemented any game plans or other suggestions that helped your team succeed? My vice-captain, Antorien, and I always remind the girls to communicate with each other on the court, because over the years, we pick up that communicate is really key to a successful match. We also always try to minimize the amount of faults that occur during our games. And just by communicating that, our game really does improve.
When I see a teammate struggling with learning a new move or play, I always try to be present in their lives and during the game and just give them a positive outlook. As a captain it’s my job to make sure each player is valued and to make sure that they know that they are needed in the team.
Best advice
The best advice I have received from my coaches is to always analyse my opponents, read the game and always be willing to adapt in any situations and any position on the court.
How would my coach and fellow team mates describe me? “I’d describe you as an incredible captain , always motivating us to be our best and to give it our all , you are not only fun to be around but you are also a hard worker and yeah man you are just cool man” -Inga.
“I’d describe you as an incredible captain , always motivating us to be our best and to give it our all , you are not only fun to be around but you are also a hard worker and yeah man you are just cool man” -Inga. “let’s add to that: You’re a very caring person on and off court, and honestly your smile just makes us want to smile. You are so welcoming to everyone and help us feel like we belong, you are the calmness when we all feel unmotivated or just not lus. You’re just such an amazing netball player, cappie and person” -Liya.
“The one that never gives up, she plays until the last second, gives her all for the whole 60 minutes, believes in all her team mates. Never moans to do anything (even if she have to run another set of short lines) always have the biggest smile with the most humble loving heart and spirit towards her team mates.” -coach.
Greatest highlight
My greatest single highlight was actually the AJ sportweek tournament in 2019. There was a sokkie the one night before we played and we had so much fun, dancing the whole night and we got home very late that night. Nevertheless, the following day we won all 3 of our games and all of us had such a good laugh and it’s really a day I will never forget.
I would describe a skilled coach as someone who has a good track record and successes in previous games along with the experience to lead a team.
I would love to have coffee with Karla Pretorius. She is one of the best defenders around and she played goal defense for the Proteas. I have met her earlier this year and it was such an honor. She is so patient and loving and very wise. I’d like to get more advice from her regarding my netball career over a cup of coffee.
What excites you the most in life? When I can have everything that my heart desires!
My top 3 biggest highlights the past five years, was being included in the 1st team in grade 9, becoming a prefect at school and lastly being given the opportunity to be captain of the 1st team.
Describe myself in one word – Determined.”
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https://www.pointhighschool.co.za/
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