KEEP an eye out for the name Kaila Simpson on the netball court.
The 16 year-old Doveton player is among the hottest young netball talents in the league and has earned a nomination as MPNFL netball’s Young Rising Star.
Kaila started her netball with Narre Warren Netball Club in 2002, but moved to Doveton Football Netball Club in 2005 and has worked her way up to become an emerging A-grade player, as well as an MPNFL 17-and-under tournament squad member.
She also represented the Cranbourne South West Netball Association (CSWNA) in 2004, 2005 (captain), 2006 and 2008 and the Victorian Primary Schools Metro side in 2005.
Kaila’s list of accolades is long and impressive in netball.
She was the league 15-and-under best-and-fairest winner in 2008 and also scored club best-and fairest awards in 2008 (15 and under) and 2005 (13 and under) and was runner-up in 2007.
She took out the Outlanders 15-and-under Coaches Award in 2006, and won best-and-fairest awards at Narre Warren in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Her team record is nearly as impressive with a premierships in 15 and under with Doveton in 2007 and 13 and under at Narre Warren in 2004 as captain.
Kaila lists selection to play with the Doves A-grade side among the highlights of her fledgling career to date and said that her ambitions include representing the MPNFL Sharks interleague side at A-grade level and playing in a Doveton A-grade premiership team.
Her coach, Vanessa San Jose, is thrilled to have such a promising young netballer in her side and said that Kaila had a good future ahead.
“Kaila is a bottom age 17-and-under girl that has discipline and has shown leadership skills,” she said.
“She is a pleasure to coach as she has grown into a versatile player, taking any position and challenge I give her.
“Kaila is dedicated to her netball and club. She continually improves her strengths on the court and is admired by juniors and seniors.
“She has risen above her own expectations by playing and being a major part of our A-grade team. Her sportsmanship on the court at training is also to be admired.”