Sally Werfel on a path to reach Diamonds dream

If enthusiasm and dedication count for anything, Sally Werfel is on track to achieving her dream of becoming a NSW Swifts player and also representing Australia in the Diamonds.

The 15-year-old netball star is in her second year at the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) and has come a long way from the little girl of five, who started playing the sport because a friend's mum invited her to join.

Sally quickly developed a liking for netball.

“I like playing, winning and achieving my goals,” Sally said.

“My dad is also competitive, so I think he might have passed it down as well.”

As well as netball, Sally did physie – a dance which combines elements of ballet, aerobics, gymnastics, contemporary and modern jazz and may be performed individually or in teams. This helped develop her athleticism.

As she grew older, Sally had the chance to start playing for representative teams.

“I started my netball achievements in the Illawarra under 12, 13, 14 and 15’s representative teams and played in the top division for my age group at club level,” Sally said.

“I like the achievement of making representative teams.

“I get to challenge myself against better competition, I get to go to more places and make new friends from all around NSW.”

Sally joined the IAS to elevate her performance, recognising their top-notch programs could improve her skills. Like fellow IAS athlete Grace Tracey, she saw the excellent netball programs and coaches as good reasons to join the academy.

“I believe that Ashlee Scofield, Gemma Silver, Shaye Wilkinson and Adam Giles, IAS netball coaches, all impacted my development,” Sally said.

“They have not only taught me netball skills but I have learnt from the nutrition, public speaking and strength and conditioning sessions.

“It is important as I get to learn the whole aspect of being an athlete, not just the playing part, but all the other aspects to help develop my athletic abilities.”

Sally spends on average 10 hours a week training and it shows. Beyond earning spots on representative teams, she has secured positions on the NSW All Schools team, competing in the Australian Championship in Perth. Sally also earned spots on the NSW Public School team and the Regional Emerging Talent team.

“These achievements make me feel proud,” Sally said.

“After putting in lots of work, these achievements make me feel happy and that all the hard work is paying off.”

Sally aims to continue collecting accolades this year, targeting a spot in the 2025 Under 17s NSW team. She also wants to gain experience by playing for the South Coast Blaze Under 23s team.

“I plan to achieve these goals by working hard and trying my best 24/7."

Sally has set her sights on an on-court position with the Sydney-based NSW Swifts and she also dreams of one day representing her country in netball.

“I have always dreamed and I have worked hard, so hopefully in the future I can make that team.”