BRIDGET Smith’s pace on the netball court is matched by a hectic lifestyle off it.
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The teenage defender keeps two calendars: one that travels with her and one she leaves at home to ensure she doesn’t miss any of her netball, work or schooling commitments.
The running sheets will be critical this year as she prepares to take her game to a new level. The 17-year-old is the only south-west player in the newly-formed Ballarat-based club Sovereigns, which will contest the 19 and under Victorian Netball League.
The competition opens on Saturday in Melbourne with two games in two days, followed by a third next Wednesday.
In between training nightly and making Sunday trips to train with the Sovereigns, she coaches South Warrnambool’s 17 and under side, assists with the Roosters 15 and unders and coaches a Warrnambool City Netball Association 15 and under regional state league team.
She is also completing a traineeship with the association in office administration, coaching and overseeing competitions and umpiring matches.
The year 12 Emmanuel College student, who wants to pursue a career in physiotherapy, also has to juggle her studies.
“I’m lucky I have a good family and supporter base and I have a good employer,” she said.
Her mother Monique has clocked up the kilometres in recent weeks, with Bridget playing a handful of practice matches for the Sovereigns in Melbourne. They have followed an intense period of training over January in Ballarat with her new teammates.
Bridget, who was part of Ballarat Pride’s 19 and under side last season before the club was stripped of its licence to play VNL, is upbeat about her new side’s chances this season.
Only two players from the former side are part of the new entity, with members drawn from Edenhope, Moama, Bendigo, Torquay and Melbourne.
They train once a week in Ballarat, with additional specialist sessions with former stars Eloise Southby, Natasha Chokljat and Lisa Boniello.
“We had four or five practice matches in Melbourne during the holidays and we’ve been competitive,” Bridget said.
“We’ve won every game except for one.”
That loss was against defending premier Monash.
“It’s a confidence booster compared to last year,” she said.
“Last year we were second last. We didn’t have a good start to the season.”
The Sovereigns play Peninsula Waves on Saturday, followed by Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels on Sunday — sides that missed the finals last year.
Bridget, a goal defence locally, is expected to line up at wing defence for the Sovereigns.
