‘Quite a shock’: Tassie netballer creates state history with national award

Despite being smaller than most of her rivals, a Deloraine netballer has become the first Tasmanian to be crowned MVP at the national championships. Read how she beat the country’s best.

Sophie Sherriff was named 17 and unders MVP at the national championships. Picture: Netball Tasmania/Minch Media

She described winning the award as “quite a shock”, but Tasmania sharpshooter Sophie Sherriff had no idea she’d created state history after being named joint 17 and under MVP at the national netball championships.

The 16 year old goal-attack from the Northern Hawks is the first Tasmanian to claim the award after sharing the honour with South Australia defender Jazmin McKay.

Tasmania was competitive throughout, including a win over Queensland before losing to them by a goal in the fifth place playoff.

But in a sign of how well Sherriff played, the award is usually won by states in the mix for the championship.

“It was quite a shock when it happened, but very exciting. I had no idea (I was the first Tasmanian to win it), but when I saw all the (social) posts it was so amazing,” Sherriff said.

“I was happy with how I played. The competition is against the best girls in Australia so I always knew it was going to be difficult, but I think our entire team had an incredible tournament.”

Tasmania's Sophie Sherriff in action at the national championships. Picture: Netball Australia/May Bailey

Sherriff is small in stature for her position, but uses her speed, anticipation and court craft to outwit her bigger rivals.

She said the award fuels her belief she can continue progressing through the ranks.

“It definitely does. It’s such a special award and a real honour to win it,” the Deloraine Devils junior said.

“It definitely gives me confidence that people were noticing me and liking how I was playing.

It really celebrates not only the work I put in, but the dedication of everyone who has supported me through my netball journey.

“To beat Queensland was so exciting, it honestly felt like a final for us. It was an incredible win, and our team came together and worked really hard for it.

Sophie’s twin sister, Isabella, also played for Tasmania.

Tasmania coach Fiona Geappen was rapt with her team’s competitiveness and improvement through the week.

“The whole group certainly performed and stood up well,” Geappen said.

“We’re not overly big, so we moved the ball and used our speed level well which gave us opportunities.

Tasmania's Sophie Sherriff in action at the national championships. Picture: Netball Australia/May Bailey

“We walked in when Queensland were already training and I could see the look on the girls’ faces. Even their centre courters are all six foot, and we beat the once and lost to them in the next by a goal.

“Sophie’s not overly tall for a shooter and shoots from range. What she does does stand out, she’s hard working, has a high skill level and those attributes they look for.

“But under pressure she has the ability to impact game just through committing to long range shots and nailing them.

“It’s kudos to the whole team because we were in every game even against the top states until late. You have to put in solid performances as a team for kids to be in the mix for awards.

“It’s awesome reward for Soph, she’s certainly a talent and it will be exciting to see what happens for her next in the pathways.”

Geappen said she’s love the state’s best youngsters to have more regular chances to compete against the best.

“A friend of mine said it would be nice to have a month off and do it again, because they’d be so much better for the experience. They just don’t get to play at that level enough,” Geappen said.

“It would be great for them to get those opportunities to challenge themselves against kids from bigger states more regularly, then the step up isn’t as big a shock. We always get better as the week (nationals) goes on.”

Tasmania’s 19 and under team finished eighth after beating Northern Territory during the pool stages.