Kaylin van Greunen rewarded for consistency with Queensland U17s selection

A sharpshooter for the Panthers, the 15-year-old star has received her biggest representative honour.

Kaylin van Greunen. Picture: Kevin Farmer

NETBALL: A season to remember has elevated Kaylin van Greunen to one of the elite goal shooter’s in the Ruby Series.

That form is a major reason why the 15-year-old has earnt her biggest representative honour to date, being chosen for the Queensland U17s who will contest the 2021 National Netball Championships in Hobart next month.

It was a nervous wait for van Greunen, who has been a major part of the revival of the Darling Downs Panthers this season, to find out whether she made the final 12-girl squad.

“They gave me a call, and as soon as I got it my mum and dad were waiting to see what my reaction was,” she said.

“I had a huge smile. Mum started crying and we were all really happy.

“It means a lot to be able to represent my region and Queensland especially. I know it will be hard, but I’m excited to see what it brings.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this with early mornings and late nights. I’m happy that it’s paid off.”

Getting her chance to debut in the Ruby Series last year at just 14, van Greunen said she is grateful for the opportunity to hone her skills against quality opposition.

“The level of competition has definitely helped with my overall performance,” she said.

“This year the team has really stepped up, and with us all so close, that has been helpful to improve myself too.

Kaylin van Greunen shoots for Downlands College. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I feel like I’ve grown and become way better than I was last year, because of that experience and the coaching I’ve received.”

van Greunen puts that growth down to an intense training regimen, and improving the mental part of her game that comes with being a sharpshooter.

“This year has been really good with the high intensity training and having the mental state that you know you can do it,” she said.

“I knew I wouldn’t be in this team if I wasn’t good enough, so that’s why I keep putting in the work to show I can do it.”

Toowoomba is set to be well represented at the nationals, with van Greunen’s Downlands College teammate from last season, Renee Cubby, also selected in the U17s.

Former Panther and The Glennie School student Ava Black was chosen as a mid court player in the U19s Queensland team, following on from previous selection in the U17s team.