Keeley Burgmann isn’t a stranger to hard work. And that hard work has paid off after being selected in the 2021/22 17/U national squad.
Having played in a small school team with her friends for six years, Keeley quickly understood that netball was a sport that she wanted to continue playing.
This focus on netball saw her being selected in the Gippsland Storm development squad, where she worked her way up to the open division.
This netball ability saw the pathway system quickly come into play, with selection in the Victorian squad also adding to Burgmann’s quickly growing netball CV.
2020 brought along another challenge, with Keeley signing for Victorian Netball League (VNL) club, Hawks Netball, marking another important step in her netball journey.
Although Keeley has been exposed to the pathway system throughout her journey so far, selection in the squad still came as a shock to both her and family.
"I’ve really been from one extreme to the other when it comes to netball," she explained.
"It was very overwhelming as it was something I didn’t even expect personally. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and honoured that they chose me."
While her journey so far has been action-packed, Keeley isn’t slowing down.
"For me, striving to get to the highest level I can get to is my goal at the moment. Wherever that ends I don’t know, but I’m just focused on striving to reach it."
Reflecting on the journey so far, it has become clear that it’s not just a matter of playing netball for Keeley. As a team sport, netball fosters connections and gives the opportunity to learn skills not only in netball, but in life as well.
"It’s the little achievements and life lessons, not only on the court but off it too. Making the squad with a few of my friends means we really push ourselves to be the best we can be, that’s a big part of it for me."
When asked about her inspirations in netball, Keeley reflected on the leadership of Kate Moloney.
"Leading by example is something I love to watch as a young athlete and try to bring it into my own game when I’m out on the court. The way Kate Moloney conducts herself, the way she treats her teammates - It’s very admirable to me."
Combined with her love for netball, Keeley volunteers as a lifesaver as well as juggling a part-time job outside of the game. Keeley stressed the importance of having other hobbies and interests away from netball has helped her as she has grown older.
"Having a well-rounded life outside of netball is what really helps me, which also allows me to be better on the court as well."
What started off as a small school netball with her friends, has turned into a whirlwind journey – leading Keeley all the way to the national squad.
To learn more about netball and the Victorian pathway, click here.
