PAKENHAM Netball Club has a reputation for consistently turning out top-quality junior players who have gone on to become the backbone of many champion senior teams.
Sophie Tracey is the latest girl to join those ranks and the 16-year-old talent has earned a nomination as MPNFL netball’s Young Rising Star.
A strong defender, Sophie started in the sport as a seven-year-old in the Pakenham Netball Association indoor competition and also played with the Beaconhills School team, together with the Pakenham Lions club from 13 and under in 2005 onwards.
She was identified as a potential star and made the Gippsland Storm 15-and-under team in 2007 and was elevated to captain of that side in 2008.
Along the way Sophie has earned several person awards including runner-up 13 and under best-and-fairest in 2006 and the coaches awards in 2007 and 2008 with the Lions, along with the runner-up best-and-fairest award with Gippsland Storm 15-and-under team in 2007.
She has also tasted team success with indoor premierships in 13 and under, 15 and under (twice) and D-grade ladies, while she also played finals in the Lions 17-and-under side last year.
Sophie said her main ambition at present was to play A-grade netball with Pakenham and according to her 17-and-under coach with the Pakenham Lions, Danielle West, that is very likely.
“Sophie consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and desire to further her skills and abilities. She is a quiet achiever within the team and although she is not a leader in the official sense, she is a player other team members turn to on and off the court,” she said.
Ms West added that Sophie had improved markedly this year and displaying a ‘can-do’ attitude when she was asked to perform in different positions on the court.
“Sophie will be a valuable player and leader of the Pakenham Netball Club over the coming years,” she said.
Club president Wendy Goldsack echoed those sentiments.
“Sophie is a strong and aggressive player who always shows great determination on the court in her defensive position,” she said.
“Sophie always wants the team to do well and personally strives to do her best each game in whichever position she is placed. She is a player who supports others from the sidelines and is also willing to assist others who need support and guidance.
“It is anticipated that Sophie will continue to develop and play strong and aggressive netball, pushing for higher grade selection.”