As part of the academy Makayla will attend a number of training sessions and specialist days to develop her skills and reach her full potential in every aspect of her game.
‘‘I just went in there for the experience of a tryout,’’ Makayla said.
‘‘It was exciting to be picked and I’m keen to just learn a lot more from different people.’’
Makayla will also play in the Inter Academy Tournament, which will give her the opportunity to show off her skills in front of Netball Victoria state selectors in October.
While she doesn’t have particular ambitions for her netball career just yet, Makayla is ‘‘taking any experience I can get’’ and is hopeful she will be learning from and with the best netballers in the region.
‘‘It’s really good, and I will get to meet lots of people.
‘‘There’s going to be a lot of travelling to Shepparton and Melbourne for long training (sessions), but I reckon it will be worth it,’’ she said.
Makayla said she can’t wait to experience both the social and skill-building aspects of the academy, through its tournament and training opportunities.
Her Rovers coach Sarah Purtill said she is not surprised with Makayla’s selection for the academy.
‘‘Makayla is a very talented and driven netballer and has a great attitude towards the game,’’ Purtill said.
‘‘She is so willing to learn, so she will definitely gain a lot from this opportunity.’’
Purtill said the academy will help Makayla grow as a player, and help the club as a result.
‘‘She will be bringing those key skills she learns back to the club, which will help us a lot.
‘‘She did really well this season with Rovers, and she’s got potential to go really far in her career.’’
