Tumut rookie Grace Whyte will return to the senior NSW Swifts setup as a Training Partner (TP) for the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season.
A TP in 2023 while still at school, the attacker is one of the brightest prospects in Australian netball and the third athlete from regional NSW to be selected as a TP this year alongside Jess Conlan (Griffith) and Dakota Thomas (Newcastle).
Whyte first entered the QBE Swifts Academy program, which underpins the senior side, in 2022 having been part of the NSW State Team pathway.
The 18-year-old was nationally identified by Netball Australia in 2023 and took part in an Aussie 19U Camp in Canberra alongside fellow Swifts TP Freddie Schneideman.
“I feel like I’m really getting to grips with what it takes to perform at the top level and last year’s experience was invaluable,” she said.
“Juggling school and training is not easy but the support I got from the Club and all of the players and coaches was amazing.
“What I love most is that you have the opportunity to test yourself against some of the most successful and experienced players in the game… players that have won World Cups and Commonwealth Gold.
“But despite me being one of the youngest in the setup they are always eager listen, help and educate you to be the best player you can can be on court and person off it.
“It is an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, and when you have the right attitude it makes talent go much further.
“I am really thankful and grateful to be returning to the Swifts setup in 2024 and, like Jess and Dakota as well as Sophie Fawns, am really proud to be representing regional NSW, especially the Tumut area.
“Most of all I want to thank my family, especially my Mum, who have supported me all the way and made countless long trips to give me the chances I have today.”
