From the Jillaroos to Capricornia cricket Mackay athletes continue to shine in 2023

Mackay’s junior sport stars are continuing to shine in their fields, with a handful of talent selected to represent at elite levels. See the list of who is making moves.

A member of the Sarina Cricket Club 11-year-old Sophie Hussey will wear the maroon colours for the first time following her well earned selection as part of the Capricornia 10-12yrs Girls Cricket Team.Â

Mackay’s best junior sports stars are making waves in their chosen fields, with a large portion selected to represent both their state and country.

The past weeks have seen the region’s rising sports stars selected to compete across the country and even overseas in a range of sports including hockey, cricket and softball.

For some this will be the first time donning the maroon and a giant step in their junior sporting career.

The following athletes have been recognised with selections in teams.

CRICKET

Sophia Hussey: Capricornia 10-12yrs girls cricket team

A member of the Sarina Cricket Club, Sophia Hussey, 10, will wear the maroon colours for the first time following her well-earned selection in the Capricornia 10-12yrs Girls Cricket Team.

Sophia, who started the sport just three years ago, will get her first taste at the next level in April when she heads to Bundaberg to compete in the state championships.

HOCKEY

Queensland State Under-21 Squads

Mackay has become recognised as one of the best junior development regions in Queensland, and this years under-21 state squad is proving that true.

With a variety of talent battling for selection last weekend, six of Mackay’s best were recognised inside the 30 athlete squads.

Among them includes athletes with extensive state exposure, as well as some with national experience including Claire Colwill and Jordan Bliss.

The following six athletes have been named in the men’s and women’s squads:

Claire Colwill, Keeley Walker, Jordan Bliss, Eddie Westcott, Demi Walker, Jamie Lee Surha.

Australian Hockey 5s

Mackay’s Jessica Wilkinson was selected as part of the national squad for the upcoming Hockey 5s World qualifying in Warrnambool on April 22-23.

Wilkinson, who now resides in Brisbane, will take on some of the world’s best in order to gain automatic qualification for the upcoming championships in Oman next year.

FIH Pro League: Hockeyroos

If selection in the Under 21 state squad wasn't enough, Claire Conwill is currently applying her skill set with the national team as it takes on a range of countries in the FIH Pro League competition.

Conwill is currently in Sydney where the side will play its second game of the competition against Germany, before taking on China and Germany as part of the three-team tournament.

Jillaroos: Taking on Japan

Once again a standout from the under 21 state squad selection, goalkeeper Jordan Bliss will play as part of the national team as it takes on Japan tonight.

Lining up in the Gold Coast, Bliss has marked herself as one of the country’s best young keepers after a breakout season as part of the Brisbane Blaze in the Hockey One competition this year.

SOFTBALL

2023 AUSTRALIAN UNDER-23 MEN’S WORLD CUP TEAM

After being part of not one but two World Championship-winning teams in his young career, Riley James surprised few when he was named part of the Under-23 side for this year.

Mackay softballer Riley James will wear the green and gold once more after his selection in the Under-23 Australian team headed to Argentina in April.

Competing in Nafaldo Cargnel Stadium in Parana, Argentina, from 15-23 April 2023, James will rely on his extensive experience at international level.

Congratulations to all athletes on their selections in state and national teams.