Spacie strides towards her dream

GYMPIE touch star Sarah Spacie has taken the next step to a dream inclusion in the Australian team for the World Cup in 2011.

Picture: Craig Warhurst

GYMPIE touch star Sarah Spacie has taken the next step to a dream inclusion in the Australian team for the World Cup in 2011.

The exciting player has been selected in the Australian open mixed team to play New Zealand in the Trans Tasman Series in Wollongong in April.

The former Gympie junior and senior player, now playing in the strong Brisbane competition after moving to the city for work commitments, said she was over the moon about her selection in the team and was looking forward to taking on the Kiwis.

“I was stoked, really happy about my inclusion in the team,” Spacie said.

“I have been in the World Cup training squad since last year.

“It is a great feeling to be included in this team.”

Spacie will play on the defensive wing for the Australian side. It is a move she says she is comfortable with.

“I'm playing right wing and it's more of a defensive position,” she said. “The opposition tends to attack more up its left side, so it's the easiest way to pass.”

Spacie credits her communication in defence and speed on the flank for her inclusion in the team, saying the mixed version of the game is a lot quicker than playing in the women's team.

“Playing against men takes the game to another level as they are fast and have a footy brain,” Spacie said.

Spacie is aiming to impress coaching staff with a strong showing against the Kiwis.

“I'm hoping to play well to stay in the team for the return matches in New Zealand during November,” she said.

“The team can be changed if players don't perform.”

The touch star is busy with her training and is about to pull on the boots for the Brisbane women's side in the National Touch Championships in three week's time.

This, combined with Spacie's job as a teacher and training for the Aussie side, has kept her busy and fit.

Spacie thanked the effort put in by her Gympie parents Nola and Peter who have helped her achieve her goals.

Originally published as Spacie strides towards her dream