Griffith Swans player selected to represent state in netball, sets sights on Iceland

A Yanco Agricultural High School student and Griffith Swans netball rising star has been selected to represent her state after excelling at a tournament at the Griffith Regional Sports Centre.

Brooke Buckley, 16, who grew up in Coopernook in northern NSW, won the players’ player award at the Combined High Schools Netball State Championships in June.

“It was a three-day competition for all 11 districts across NSW,” Ms Buckley said.

“The Riverina came fourth in the state. We were the best of all the regional teams; only Sydney teams were above us.”

Her impressive form saw her selected for the NSW public schools team, which will compete against the independent schools and private schools in September.

In addition to the Riverina representative squad, she has also played for the Leeton Netball Association representative team, Griffith Swans in A grade and Yanco Agricultural High School Opens team.

She was also assistant coach of the U14s Leeton representative squad this year, a team that had to pull out of going to the junior state titles. The Year 11 student has also completed her online and practical coaching training to be eligible to become a fully-fledged coach.

Griffith Swans trainer Joh Munro says the six-foot goal shooter could have a big future in the sport.

“She works really hard; we’ve been really happy with how she’s played. She’s got a lot of potential; she could go professional if she keeps working at it,” she said.

Region caught up with Ms Buckley to find out about her netball, heroes and some impressive post-school plans.

Why did you decide to play netball?

Mum was a good netball player and she encouraged me to start playing when I was six. She used to play indoor netball and I’d tag along.

Who is your favourite player?

Australian Diamonds netball goal shooter Steph Wood.

Do you have a role model?

My mum. She’s a good businesswoman. She runs two childcare centres.

What’s your best subject at school?

Maths.

What career would you pursue?

I’d like to do something in the medical field, possibly sports field. I may also try and go professional in netball.

What do you plan to do when you finish Year 12?

I really want to travel to Europe. If I like it, I’m going to move there. I’d go to university and then move to Europe through a student exchange program.

Which country would you live in?

Iceland. It’s the happiest country, according to Google. They’re chilled, living standards are high and crime rates are extremely low.