Sisi is a fifteen year old girl who attends Mt Carmel High School in Campbelltown. Despite being of such a young age, she has excelled at countless sports throughout her lifetime. She plays a range of sports including netball, basketball, soccer, touch football and athletics for both her school and for recreation. She has represented her school in the local MISA competition, as well as the Wollongong diocese for netball. She was also a shadow player for the NSW Mackillop netball squad and was a member of the Campbelltown Netball Reps squad. She has clearly proven herself to be an extraordinary individual and an amazing athlete.
When did you first start playing sport?
In year three, I played netball, soccer and basketball for the school. In year five I began playing netball outside of school for St. Johns. I started playing touch football and athletics for the school in year six. I also played touch football outside of school. In year eight I began playing basketball outside of school also.
What have been you best sporting experiences?
Representing the Wollongong diocese in netball and playing at Wagga Wagga for the Mackillop squad. Playing Marist basketball and competing against other schools from different states was a great experience. CCC and Diocesan soccer along with the Bill Turner Cup were exciting experiences as well. Playing [touch football] with friends was fun, especially outside of school as I competed with boys as well.
What have been your worst sporting experiences?
In netball, being a shadow player for the NSW Mackillop squad and dropping out of rep netball. Losing MISA basketball by one point and coming second was disappointing. Getting knocked out in the third round of the Bill Turner Cup and missing out on Diocesan soccer two years in a row were tough experiences as well.
What was it like the first time you played sport?
In netball I had no clue how to play, so after a few years of playing netball, I have improved and gained confidence. But the first game I had ever played, which was in year three, I was clueless. I had no idea and was so confused.
The first time I competed at a diocesan event (athletics) I was nervous as hell. Athletics is a sport that is generally the worst feeling I’ve ever had. This sport makes me sick in the stomach watching all the professional athletes do their thing. To see their facial expressions which are so serious, just makes me nervous and low. I ended up vomiting at the end before competing because of the pressure. At the end of the day I imagine them not there…so I end up with a good result because I just focus and try my best.
What was it like to be in the Campbelltown Reps Squad?
Being in the Campbelltown reps squad was like being in a boot camp for military soldiers. The training was so hard that it made me sweat out all the water I drank. The coaches were straightforward which meant whatever she wanted you to do it was a MUST or laps around the court including push-ups or star jumps with it. My body was physically tired and as I finished I could seriously not walk properly. But at the end of the day you learn new skills and ball drills which gave me a better knowledge of how to play netball smarter. Being in reps was hard but earning your position was harder.
Why were you dropped from Reps?
I was dropped out of reps because my height was not useful, since I was the shortest in my team. My position I played before I entered reps was GD or GK and when I played reps I shifted to WD and WA. But as the years passed, the players grew and other skilful girls that were tall filled my place which dropped me out of the team.
How did you feel when you were dropped from Reps?
I felt both good and bad. I hated training but I had learnt new skills and at the end of the day it pays off- you feel fit to play and full of energy. However I hated the physical routine, it used to make me tired. But it’s not the end. I can still learn new drills and train myself in the future.
Have you ever had any serious injuries?
I have never had any major injuries. In fact, I have never broken a bone, sprained anything. Only bruises and sore muscles. I was always careful with my body. One time I played touch football and rolled my ankle which left me out of sports for three days maximum. But I got back on my feet, started training and healed.
Which one is your favourite sport and why?
Basketball is my favourite sport generally, because I love the game. It’s a tough and physical sport. It’s exciting and also has more movement. My height doesn’t effect how I play the game, but it would be nice to be tall (laughs). With basketball you’re able to see more ball.
Local Macarthur resident, 
Brett Hodgson,
