Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

This week we celebrate the amazing netball season of 16 year old Ella Williams from Poole and find out a bit more about her netball journey. Ella joins the likes of other Dorset home grown talent such as Lily-May Catling, who made her debut with Team Bath VNSL this season, following a 2021 season with Wasps Lily-May Catling completes journey from Academy to Superleague via Australia as versatile defender joins Blue & Gold for 2022 – Team Bath Netball, and Geva Mentor who was named again in the England Netball Roses programme this week, having made her England debut in 2001! England Netball | Vitality Roses selected for 2022-23 Programme.

It is so important to recognise and shout about those that make female sport happen, be that as a participant, official or volunteer. It was great to see Lily-May engaging with junior members of Bournemouth Netball Club on a recent trip to watch Team Bath play in the VNSL at Bath University. The hugely successful This Girl Can campaign, demonstrated that having accessible female sporting role models is key to engaging and keeping females in sport This Girl Can | Sport England.

Ella was interviewed by Sarah Clark, Dorset Netball Development Officer:

What is your earliest memory of netball?

My earliest memory of netball was my first training session at Poole Netball Club. I joined with my friend. All I can remember is really enjoying it and wanting to go back.

What teams have you played for?

I’ve played for Poole Netball Club at junior and senior level, been a part of the Dorset satellite and county academy pathway and then the Team Bath pathway. I have played for Team Bath U15, U17 and U19 teams and this year I played for England Roses U17s.

What is your go-to netball snack?

My go-to netball snack would be a protein milkshake and a nut bar.

NB: I have it on good authority that Ella is unlikely to turn down a Haribo!

Who has had the most influence on your netball career?

Helen Housby as a player and Jenna Adamson (Team Bath Millfield ADC coach) and Hayley Peyman (Poole Head Coach)

If you could start again at age 8, what netball position would you want to play?

I would want to play centre as I would be able to run everywhere on court!

What was your hardest netball moment?

Playing against the other England team in the Europe Netball Competition.

How do you get over hard moments?

Staying calm, being patient and never giving up, no matter what.

What was your favourite netball moment?

Winning the Europe Netball Competition with England U17s and being undefeated.

How do you like to celebrate a win?

Being surrounded by my teammates and the atmosphere it creates.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).