The A Grade player joined the club three years ago and started coaching the NetSetGo players last season. This season, she is coaching the under-13s as well as playing.

“My under-13s did really well in round one and I feel like we will have a good year,” she said.

Parker said she has been loving coaching and guiding the junior players at the club.

“Growing up I played netball and I just wanted the girls to love netball as much as I do,” she said.

“I try to let them have fun as well as learning. I learn from them as well, which is a positive. 

“I only played at high school in New Zealand, so to come and be a senior and be a role model for everyone was a big part for me. 

“The hardest thing about coaching is when the girls don’t listen, but they respect me, which is the main thing. They get distracted sometimes but they are under-13s.”

With senior success rare at the club in recent years, Taylors Lake has a big emphasis on raising juniors who will want to stay at the club in the long term

“Most of our juniors play seniors as well,” Parker said.

“Juniors are the future of our club so we try to get them involved as much as possible, and it’s really good playing with them too. They teach us as well.”

Parker said the family atmosphere of Taylors Lake is one of the reasons she loves being a member of the club.

“We all love each other and we all look out for each other,” she said.

“We might not be the top winning team, but we certainly are family wise. Netball is a big part of my life so being at Taylors Lake is important for me.