Meet the young netball stars spearheading Canterbury College’s dominant 2022 netball campaign

Netball Queensland’s School of the Year have been nothing short of magnificent in their 2022 TAS and QISSN Carnival showcase. Get to know the contracted young-guns at the forefront of their success HERE.

The Canterbury College Firsts Netball team is a gift that keeps on giving, taking out their third straight undefeated premiership in the TAS competition and winning it all at this year’s QISSN Carnival.

If it wasn’t for Covid-19, Canterbury might have had three straight QISSN Carnival victories on their resume to go along with their TAS three-peat.

Canterbury, 2022 Netball Queensland School of the Year, look to remain Shield Champions for the fourth consecutive year with their magnificent young stars spearheading their Vicki Wilson State Championships campaign starting in September.

The Canterbury College Firsts Netball team.

Canterbury College Director of Netball Deanne Hamilton said she was extremely proud of the girls and their achievements so far this year.

“They have been fully committed to our program and over the last five years have gone from strength to strength. The team plays a fast game and are always giving 100 per cent to their teammates whether they are on the court or bench,” Hamilton said.

CANTERBURY’S STAR NETBALLERS

Holly Comyns (QISSN Rising Star)

Canterbury College Netballer Holly Comyns.

Contracted to: Carina Leagues Club Tigers

How has the school and the netball program helped you, whether it is on or off the court.

Since moving to Canterbury College 12 months ago, the staff and my peers have provided me with the support to improve my academic results while continuing to build my netball skills.

Do you take motivation from the team’s successes into your efforts in the Hart Sapphire Series?

The successes of the Canterbury College netball program has given me the confidence that I can do my job when I step out on the court for the Carina Leagues Club Tigers.

I want to continue to grow as a player and I believe the Hart Sapphire Series is the perfect place to do this.

Tia Crombie (QISSN Carnival Player of Grand Final and ALL STAR)

Canterbury College netball young-gun Tia Crombie.

Contracted to: Carina Leagues Club Tigers

How was the QLD U17 QLD 17 & Under State Squad) experience in Hobart?

Exciting. It was an opportunity to develop as a player.

How has netball at Canterbury helped you achieve your goals?

The coaching and support from Mrs Hamilton and Mrs Brynes has been amazing. It has kept me focused and motivated.

What’s it like playing with your Canterbury teammates for the Tigers?

It has been a great experience. One of the reasons I trialled for Tigers was because of the great reputation it had – I heard about it from my friends at school.

Aaliyah Sheppard (QISSN Rising Star)

Canterbury College netball star Alliyah Sheppard.

Contracted to: Carina Leagues Club Tigers

What do you think of the opportunity to be with the Carina Leagues Club Tigers in the Hart Sapphire Series?

It has been exciting to debut for the club in the Ruby team. Having the chance to also take the court for Sapphire was amazing.

What are your end goals in netball?

I want to continue to work hard on my game and not put too much pressure on myself. Just enjoy my netball and learn from my teammates. I’ll be ready for whatever comes my way.

Maddy Iva (Canterbury MVP)

Maddy Iva (left and Aaliyah Sheppard (right).

Training partner: Carina Leagues Club Tigers

What’s the one netball goal you want to achieve for yourself this year?

Being in Year 12 I wanted to have the goal of embracing and enjoying each and every game that I play and taking any opportunity that is presented to me.

Playing for Canterbury, representing South Coast and taking the court for Tigers has been amazing.

What’s the team mean to you?

The team means everything to me. We are such a close unit and respect each other on and off the court. I think how close we are is shown in the way we play the game and how we play for each other.

Siana Matavalea

Canterbury College Netballer Siana Matavalea.

Contracted to: Brisbane South Wildcats

How has being at Canterbury and especially the success strengthened your love for the sport?

I have become good friends with my teammates. We have become very close. We have a great coach and I am excited to grow and come back next year for QISSN stronger than ever. Also looking forward to Vicki Wilson in September.