Nulkaba’s Claudia Russell has continued her perfect record in state netball selection, qualifying for her sixth NSW side to contest the National Netball Championships.
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Russell has made the state side every year since her selection in the 17-and-under side in 2010, but is yet to bring home a gold medal from the championships.
However she said she is quietly confident in her chances this year with the NSW 21-and-under team.
“I was talking to a few other girls in the team and we were saying ‘this is the year, we have to do it,’” she said.
“Everyone’s been working so hard.
“We have a really great team, we have the coaching staff, we just have to get out there and do it now.”
Russell said the team has a new-look side this year with three ladies making their debut for NSW, which she said brings different dynamics and prevents the other teams from having a preconceived game plan.
She also said the depth of their team will really come into play this year, as 2015 is the first time the competition will run 60-minute games as opposed to 40 minutes.
Russell said she has personally had a good lead-up to the championships and is looking forward to getting out on the court.
“It’s been a massive training campaign; by the end you’re just so excited.”
Russell currently travels to Sydney five times per week for training and playing in the State League Competition for City of Sydney/Sydney Uni.
She also works at Kotara several times a week and has just started her first year of university in Newcastle.
“The start of this year has been really tough,” she said.
“The overlap (between the national championships and State League) has made it hard.
“Every year I forget how hard it is.
“I’m a netball zombie,” she laughed.
“But we love it; it’s definitely worth it in the end.
“To see all the girls and the coaches, we have a really good team atmosphere.
“I find when you surround yourself with such successful people who are driven, it rubs off on you.”
Russell wanted to thank her parents and her partner Ben who have been a huge support to her along the way.
The 2015 21-and-Under National Netball Championships will be contested on the Sunshine Coast from March 10 to 15.
