Koopman plays with her heroines
“Playing in the Western Cape Stings team has always been a childhood dream, it is really an honour being here and playing in a team with people I have looked up to.”
Those are the words of Ceres-born athlete Nerine Koopman (21), who is currently playing in her first Telkom Netball League Campaign. Koopman is no newbie on the netball court as she has just completed her first official Varsity Netball Campaign, where she and her Maties team came second.
Koopman is currently at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria where she is performing in the blue and white gear for the formidable Western Cape Stings team and hopes to make a success of her first Telkom Netball League tournament.
Speaking on her journey with this sport, the young athlete remarks that netball has always been part of her family life and friendships.
Koopman, who has been key on the attack for both Maties and the Stings, says that although she prefers the goal attack position, she has come full circle and is now a specialist wing attack.
According to the Ceres local, who has been one of the new faces in this year’s action, mental preparation is of utmost importance ahead of big games.
“Visualising the game is the most important thing to do so that I am not overwhelmed. I have also been blessed to be part of teams that are so supportive. We back each other so much,” she adds.
Audiences and netball fans have seen the young student strut her stuff on court. She further told Standard that going into this Telkom Netball League, she has set her