WAIS Duo Selected for Australian 21/U Squad

WAIS netball scholarship holders Kaylia Stanton and Courtney Bruce have been named in a 12-strong Australian squad for August’s World Youth Netball Championships in Glasgow.

Australia will look to defend its title when play gets under way in the city that will host next year’s Commonwealth Games. With four wins from six championships since its 1988 inception, Australia will again be considered strong challengers when it begins its campaign against Israel.

The selection of Stanton and Bruce is a significant boost to the WAIS program, with both athletes having come through the development squad mentored by WAIS head coach Michelle Wilkins.

The World Youth Netball Championships has long been considered a launch pad for emerging netball talent. In past years, Australia has seen iconic names such as Liz Ellis, Catherine Cox, Julie Corletto and Laura Geitz make their mark at youth level.

The Australia squad includes seven with ANZ Championship experience, including Bruce, who has received court time with the West Coast Fever in this year’s championship. Australian coach Carol Byers admitted this was a decisive factor in their selection policy.

“We’ve selected a 12-player team that’s strong, athletic and experienced across all areas of the court,” coach Byers said.

“Having such a breadth of experience in the team, including three international Tests and 66 games of ANZ Championship, means that our athletes have already tested themselves against some of the best players in the world despite their age.”