Local netballers Ashley Vasquez and Hinemoa Boylan have helped Sydney South West claim the 2021 NSW CHS Schools Championships, held in Orange.
The two current South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS) netball program members weren’t the only locals to play key roles in the success of the rep side.
Joining Vasquez and Boylan in the squad were 2019 SWSAS graduates Erin and Kiara Bloor.
Kiara won selection to the NSW CHS team to compete at the All-Schools Championships later this year.
Vasquez and Boylan also stood out in April during the Regional Academy Games where SWSAS lost only one game of netball.
The ever-smiling Boylan, who is also a member of the GWS Fury U/23 Premier League side, as well as the NSW Emerging Talent team, is definitely an up-and-coming goal scoring machine.
“She always has a smile on her face when lining up in the goal circle. It comes across as a sign of pure joy; of someone really enjoying her sport,” says Academy sports chaplain Jim Dayhew, who was courtside throughout the Academy Games.
Boylan began playing netball with the Minto Cobras in Campbelltown as a five-year-old and has never looked back.
“I must admit, one of the main reasons I wanted to start playing netball was for the uniform, especially the dress,’’ she says.
“Little did I know that in the younger age groups, we wore a shirt and a skirt. I was devastated.’’
Devastation eventually turned to delight as Boylan rose through the ranks of the Campbelltown netball representative program, culminating in her making the decision to trial for the South West Sydney Academy of Sport development program two years ago.
“I have been thrilled to be a part of the Academy and for the pathways, opportunities and special experiences on offer,’’ Boylan said.
“The amazing support and opportunities that the academy provides has helped me so much in my netball career.
“There are a lot of talented athletes in the program, who are constantly pushing each other to work harder and support each other when times get tough.”
The academy netball program is supported by the Walker Corporation, and will resume training in mid-July, ahead of the much-anticipated NSW Netball Academy Challenge scheduled to take place in Orange throughout September.
For more details on the Academy, visit www.swsas.org.au or phone 4627 7622.
