Get to know recent WAIS graduate and Australian Diamonds debutant Sunday Aryang
Born in the small town of Dima, Ethiopia, Sunday Aryang hit Australian shores in 2002 and haven’t looked back. The Aryang clan’s decision to move across the globe in search of better opportunities both educationally and within workforce, proved a successful one for young Sunday, who recently debuted for the Australian Diamonds at just 21.
Aryang has now stamped her name on the international sporting stage after competing at the Netball Quad Series in England, where the Australian Diamonds won the series.
“We moved over to Australia in 2002 as my parents decided it was the best place for opportunities. My dad found it hard going through the education system in Ethiopia, so he said when he got the chance, he would get us out there so we could build our best lives.”
“I was quite an athletic kid growing up, all my siblings were. I played basketball, athletics and soccer through school, pretty much trying any sport I could – I love sport. My younger sister Ruth is actually a WAIS scholarship holder for netball as well.”
Although the love for netball wasn’t always initially there, I think as a nation we are all fairly happy to see the shift in interest.
“I didn’t know netball existed until I was twelve and the first time I watched it, I was like ‘what is this sport.’ I’d always dreamed of being a police officer or an army sergeant when I was younger, but I can definitely say now that the love for netball is very much there.”
We’re glad we haven’t yet lost Aryang to the police force or army, however the multi-talented athlete juggles a well-balanced life between her netball commitments and passion for the health care industry.
“I’m hoping to start studying in semester two, something related within the health care industry. Nursing is in mind, but I might also branch out and look at a few different things as well. At the moment I am working in an aged care facility, as a support worker caring for the elderly.”
“When I get days off from training and work, I find it’s always a great time to catch up with friends outside of netball as I don’t often get to see them. Currently the beach isn’t a big fan of mine, but I’m getting there, I think this time next year you might catch me there more.”
From finding out about her selection into the Australian Diamonds touring squad, to flying overseas and then debuting on the international circuit, Aryang has had an exciting few months to say the least.
“It took a while for the news to sink in after I had been told about my selection into the team. But once it had, I was then so excited for the opportunity and really eager to get into it all.”
“The tour to England was different to how the girls had described previous tours before COVID-19 had hit, but it was a pretty cool experience being in a new country for the first time. The girls were also so lovely with helping me fit into the environment.”
“I don’t usually get nervous, but before my first game I was so nervous. I’d fallen asleep before Stacey’s [Marinkovich, Diamonds head coach] announcement of the team for the next match, so woke up the next morning to the news. I was pretty nervous that whole day, but once I got out there the nerves just went away.”
Keep an eye on the young gun this year as she competes in the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season for the West Coast Fever as well as her promising potential to play at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Photo: SPP Sport Press Photo / Alamy Live News