NETBALL: Emma Raper, from the Myponga Netball Club, may only be 14-years-old but she has already debuted in the A2 Grade this season and been chosen to represent her state.
Emma is a prime example of a netballer who has progressed up the netball ladder and is now playing for her state as well as in the Great Southern Netball Association.
She played SAPSASA netball in primary school and was chosen for the year seven development camp.
Emma has also been selected in GSNA representative teams every year since 2005 when she began in the 13 and under side.
From here Emma has been picked in the regional teams in under 13's, under 15's and most recently the under 17 team.
Emma's latest achievement is to have been selected into the Secondary School Sport South Australian team.
In May this year Emma and the team had the fantastic opportunity to play against netballers from other countries.
Playing in the International School Girls challenge, Emma and the team played against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the Indigenous Australian Team.
Her team finished fifth in this 18 and Under age group which was a great effort.
This team will now play in the National Championships which are being held in Adelaide from August 3 to 8.
"I didn't expect to get in the team but I was one of the lucky ones to be picked, it's improved my game heaps and so far has been a good experience," Emma said modestly.
Emma plays goal attack and at 179cm has a great stretch which has many defenders worrying every week about exactly how they are going to stop her.
"I like to help get the ball down and enjoy being involved in all parts of the game, from attacking and shooting to defending the ball down the court," Emma said.
"I've got a competitive side and I really enjoy netball, I started at a young age and I've done well so far so I'll keep going, I enjoy meeting new people and it's great fun".
Netball runs in the veins of the Raper family and Emma is following the footsteps of her mother, Christine, who represented the state and played state league netball.
Emma's two younger sisters, Lucy and Sarah, also play for the Myponga Netball Club.
Emma certainly has a passion for being a Mudlark and looks to the A Grade players for inspiration.
"In the future I hope to be in the A Grade for Myponga, keep playing well and improving and if I go further that would be good too"