Sarah Klau’s home has never been as spotless as it was the day of Diamonds selection.
“I was so stressed. I remember stress cleaning. I’ve never seen the house so spotless,” she said.
The South Australian native who has been an integral part of the NSW Swifts for the last six seasons features in the top four athletes for deflections and interceptions in the Suncorp Super Netball league.
But even with the stats on her side after stringing together several stellar seasons in the red dress, the circle defender didn’t want to set any expectations.
Before receiving a call from Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich, who unbeknown to Klau would be delivering good news, the 27-year-old was so stressed her heartrate skyrocketed.
“I had a look at my watch and my heartrate was over 120(bpm) and almost detected a workout because I was so stressed,” she said.
“Fortunately, it was really good news and it's a pinnacle event for netball so I’m extremely proud and honoured to get the call up.
“Playing at the Commonwealth Games has been a huge dream of mine.”
The gravity of Klau’s selection and the prospect of taking the court at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next month are yet to truly sink in for 190cm defender.
But when that plane hits the tarmac in the UK, it will be all systems go and Klau couldn’t be more ready.
“As a young girl it was my dream to play for my country and represent the Diamonds in the green and gold,” she said.
“I like to challenge myself and be the best that I can, and get that self-fulfilment of being one of the best athletes in the country.
“But not only that, I get to be part of this amazing group. I get to represent the players that came before me and continue that legacy and culture of the Diamonds.
“It’s extremely special and I’ve got big shoes to fill.”
GIRL POWER
When asked which former Diamonds inspire her, Klau was quick to reflect on memory that has been etched in her mind since she was a youngster.
“I remember going to my first international match which was against the Silver Ferns,” she said.
“All the spotlights were on the court and they (former Diamonds) walked on court they had their shoulders back and they just looked so fierce.
“I remember thinking, ‘how cool would it be to be one of those girls one day?’.”
If Klau had to hone in on particular players that have inspired her she cannot go past fellow defenders Laura Geitz and Liz Ellis.
But there is one Diamond who Klau paid special mention.
Her Swifts teammate, Paige Hadley.
“We play day in, day out together so we’ve got a really strong connection,” she said.
“Even lining up on the sideline (at Diamonds) camp and making eye contact, and thinking, ‘how cool is this? This is unreal’.
“It’s nice to have a bit of home with me over in the UK and she's certainly probably my rock over there.”
Netball has taught Klau a lot of things, but more importantly it has helped shape her to become the person she is today.
“It’s not just a sport it’s about the characteristics you build as a person. The resilience, the hard work, learning to deal with adversity or when things aren't going well. Dealing with critics or failure is extremely challenging,” Klau said.
“That’s the joys of sport, riding the highs and lows.”
Klau cuts an intimidating figure on court, standing at 190cm in the defensive circle, but off court, she couldn’t be more different.
“Growing up I was always quite shy. But netball has put me in positions where I felt uncomfortable but it’s helped me to grow,” Klau said.
“The netball family and friends around me have helped me become that person.”
ABOUT SARAH
Name: Sarah Klau
Positions: GK, GD
Game day pump up song: I’m A Survivor - TMS Remix
Game day breakfast: Coffee and toast with peanut butter
