Why JSS nominee Jessica Bowden can be proud of what she has achieved despite setbacks

JESSICA Bowden does not know the meaning of rejection and this remarkable fortitude has seen the youngster finally break into the NSW Schools under-15 netball team for the forthcoming nationals.

Jessica Bowden’s never give up attitude is paying off. Pictures: Peter Kelly

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JESSICA Bowden does not know the meaning of rejection and this remarkable fortitude has seen the youngster finally break into the NSW Schools under-15 netball team for the forthcoming nationals.

Add to that intense training and coaching at Western Sydney Academy of Sports and Baulkham Hills rep side, and you can see how Jessica is getting closer to being the best player she can be.

This week’s Junior Sports Star nominee is celebrating her breakthrough year in rep netball and is overjoyed at making the NSW All Schools team for the 2016 under-15 Netball Championships in Adelaide from August 1-5.

Jessica Bowden has made it to the NSW All Schools netball team.

The Glenwood High School student is fresh from leading the WSAS team to an unbeaten run at the Australian Invitational Youth Games in Maitland.

“It was a real honour to captain a team which included amazing netballers,” Jessica, 14, said.

“I play other sports for the school such as oztag, touch, netball and hockey but my main focus is netball.

Jessica Bowden has plenty of reasons to smile this year.

Jessica Bowden

“I have been playing netball since I was under 8 for Glenwood Netball Club which is a part of the Baulkham Hills Netball Association.

“Now that my junior representative years are over, my short term goal now is to hopefully make a NSW premier league side.

“My long term goal is to play for a national league team, preferably the NSW Swifts.”

Talking her about her setbacks and rejections for representative teams, Jessica said she just kept on training and improving her skills, saying her motto is “never give up.”

“I trialled for junior representative teams when I was 11, 12 and 13 and I didn’t make it,” Jessica said.

Jessica Bowden trains hard during the week.

“But that never once stopped me from trialling again and I put a lot of hard work into my fitness and skills in the off season.

“My secret to success is no matter how many times you get knocked back you never give up. “Take on board the feed back, train harder and try again.

“My hopes for all schools championships is that we all come together as a team and do NSW proud and hopefully we can bring back the championships.

“I am playing alongside amazing netballers that I will be able to learn from and it’s an experience of a lifetime representing your state.”

■ The Junior Sports Star awards are proudly sponsored by Rebel.

■ To nominate someone you know, visit: www. juniorsports star.com.au