The journeys of Vixens captain Kate Moloney and 16-year-old Tara Watson don’t stray too far from a traditional Netball Victoria pathway story. And while over ten years separate them, it’s no wonder Watson has named Moloney as her netball idol, with the similarities between the two midcourters beginning in their hometown of Diamond Creek.
With Moloney arguably in her prime, having recently returned from the Australian Diamonds camp, Watson’s life as an elite netballer is just beginning, recently being selected in the 2021/22 Australian 17/U squad, an honour that Moloney once achieved as well.
Watson says it was an unexpected surprise when she found out about the selection.
“It was pretty surreal. I didn't really expect it at all and then when I read it, I just didn't believe it,” said Watson.
The young centre/wing defence tries to mirror her game off her idol and said Moloney’s hard work on and off the court is something to be inspired by.
“Just the way Kate goes about it all. Her hard work on and off the court is just inspiring and the way she takes leadership on the court and everything like that”.
After watching her older sister play, Watson was eager to join in on all the fun. She started to play Netta (now NetSetGO) at a young age and hasn’t looked back since.
And just like every young athlete, Watson has her sights set on the big time. A dream a young Moloney would have had once as well, but Watson knows to achieve that goal, she must work for it.
“I would love to play be able to play professionally - that’s something I have to work for but that is the ultimate goal”.
“Just making this squad is something that I didn't even expect so now I've got to work hard and just keep up the fitness, keep up the ball handling and everything like that, and just give it everything I've got”.
Waston joins five other Victorian athletes to make the Australian 17/U squad, which will meet for training camps to help develop their abilities and provide elite training later this year.
To view the full squad announcement, click here.
