Star Hunt on track
A LONG line of star players have emerged from Pakenham Netball Club and this week’s nomination for the 2009 Young Rising Netball Star, 16 year-old Olivia Hunt is another shining example of the Lions’ system.
Olivia started playing netball as an eight year-old and has represented Beaconhills College, the Pakenham Lions Netball Club and a mixed netball team at YMCA Cardinia Life.
Now the co-captain of the Pakenham under 17s side, her list of achievements in the sport is impressive for someone so young. Olivia has played with the Eastern Zone Academy in 2008 (captain) and 2009, the Gippsland Independent School team in 2008, Gippsland Storm in 2007/2008 and the MPNFL Sharks under 15 representative netball team in 2008.
Olivia has also won several personal awards. She was runner up best and fairest with Gippsland Storm, joint MPNFL best and fairest in under 17s, Pakenham Lions under 17s best and fairest and the Julie Ann Ramsdale award winner, all in 2008.
She has competed successfully in tournaments at Waverley, Frankston, Dandenong and Cranbourne, was a semi-final player for Gippsland Storm in 2008 and played finals for Pakenham under 17s last year.
Olivia said her best and fairest awards were the highlights of her netball ti date and she has set her sights on making the under 17 State Squad via the Netball Academy.
Pakenham under 17s coach Danielle West said that Olivia’s natural leadership set her apart from the rest.
“Olivia is a player, not only blessed with the natural skills and ability to play netball at a very high level, but also has the drive, determination and willingness to keep learning. She demonstrates leadership qualities beyond her years,” she said.
“She is a natural mentor for her team mates and a student of the senior players and coaches.”
“Olivia is without a doubt the future of the Pakenham Netball Club and MPNFL netball.”
akenham Netball Club president Wendy Goldsack agreed adding that she was a valued family member of the club.
“Olivia is playing Under 17s for the second year. She is a great asset to the club with her friendliness to other players off the court, her aggressive and skilled playing attributes on the court and her willingness to be involved in the club,” she said.
“Like her older sister, it is anticipated that Olivia will also be a valuable senior player in years to come.”

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