‘They just kept shining brighter and brighter’: Teenage talents impress first-time Capras coach
Nikki Carpenter reflects on her first head coaching role with the CQ Capras and the outstanding performance of her talented outfit. See how she sums up the season and which players excelled in our Year in Review.
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If there was one disappointment for Capras under-17 coach Nikki Carpenter this season, it was that her girls didn’t get to play more games.
“I would have loved to see our full potential because I felt like we were only really kicking off when the season finished,” she said.
“I was very happy with the girls and what they were able to achieve.
“We lost just one game out of the five we played - the two trials and the three round games - and if we’d had that time over again, I honestly believe we could have sealed a win there too.”
Carpenter is no stranger to coaching but this was the first time she held the position with the Capras.
She considered her appointment a massive personal achievement.
“I doubted myself at the start, I didn’t think that I was ready, but I’ve proved to myself that I can do it and do it quite successfully too,” she said.
“It’s been a big learning curve but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
“I’m hoping I’ve done a good enough job this year that they’ll want me back next year.”
Carpenter was blessed with some genuine talent in her ranks but said Macey Evans was, without question, the team’s most valuable player.
More accustomed to the halves, Evans made the switch to lock and never once looked out of place, excelling in the number 13.
Carpenter said the connection within the playing group was a major contributor to their success.
“As the weeks progressed and the training sessions went on, every time they took the field they just kept shining brighter and brighter,” she said.
“They just played for each other and that’s what I loved the most - no matter what they were doing, they were doing it together, side by side.
“To see them go on and on and on and up and up and up as a team was amazing.”
Carpenter is now working with the Capras’ academy, relishing the opportunity to help more young female talent on their football journey.
She is also coaching the Norths Knights under-17 girls in the Rockhampton competition and will again take the Emmaus College open girls to Confraternity in June.
“It just keeps going from one thing to the next,” she said.
“I love what I do, the people I’m involved with and the girls I get to coach.
“If you’re passionate about it and you love what you do, it’s easy.”
Capras under-17 stars
Teleah Cassar
Title: Fastest player
Position: Wing
Comment: The Capras’ smallest, yet fastest, player on the field. Agile and elusive, her speed off the mark is incredible, leaving opponents in her wake.
Alexis Bukowski
Title: Strongest player
Position: Second row
Comment: The team’s benchmark for toughness. Hard-running with fire in her belly, she is driven to succeed and always goes the extra mile.
Chanelle Williams
Title: Most damaging player
Position: Second row/centre
Comment: Extremely dangerous when running the ball, her agility and speed for a bigger player is very deceiving. She is also capable of putting on some big hits. A force to be reckoned with.
Macey Evans
Title: Best defender
Position: Lock
Comment: Another pocket rocket, she has so much to offer the game and is a very talented individual. She is elusive in attack and works extremely hard in defence, taking on back-to-back tackles.
Stevie-Lee Dixon
Title: Powerhouse player
Position: Front row
Comment: Has worked hard to become the player she is today. Makes it challenging for the opposition to get her to the ground. Just hitting her straps and has a big future ahead.
Zoe Robson
Title: NRLW beckons
Position: Fullback
Comment: Is currently under an NRLW academic contract with the Brisbane Broncos. An absolute superstar, She works hard and is very dangerous with the football in hand.
Madeline Johnson
Title: Player on the rise
Position: Halfback
Comment: Another complete package with natural talent in every aspect of the game. She plays fantastic eyes-up football and uses her speed and footwork to achieve great things.
Dayna Green
Title: Surprise packet
Position: Hooker/centre
Comment: One of our quieter players who lets her footy do the talking. A genuine workhorse, she is incredibly powerful and passionate about her game.
Caydence Fouracre
Title: Most skilful
Position: Halves
Comment: The complete package. She may be one of the Capras’ smaller players but she can do it all. Naturally talented, fast and quick in all directions, she leaves opponents guessing every time she has the ball.
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