State 18 Girls named for NationalsWednesday, April 10, 2013 - 2:57 AM

The 2013 State U18 Youth Girls team has been named to represent WA at the National Championships in Shepparton, Victoria from May 4 to 11.

With a great mix of youth and experience, Head Coach Michelle Cowan is quietly confident the team will do well.

"The girls have displayed outstanding dedication and commitment to improving not only their skills and knowledge, but learning new tactics and strategies," Cowan said.

"Since January, the girls have been building their fitness base under the expert guidance of South Fremantle strength and conditioning coach Ryan Gaias and the current signs are very good."

2013 High Perfomance Academy players Sabrina Traub, Ashley Sharp and Kristen Jayasuria have all been selected in the side, together with Emma Swanson, who this year will have the honour of participating in both the U18 Youth Girls and the Open Women’s team in Cairns.

2012 Jim Stynes scholarship recipient Tayla Bresland will also return to the team ensuring it is one of the strongest WA has ever taken to the National Championships.

Adding further experience to the side is 2012 All Australian player, Kira Phillips, who is hoping WA can make it to this year’s Grand Final after narrowly missing out by percentage in 2012.

All of the players are currently seeking individual sponsorships to help support them with achieving their dream of playing for their State.

Picture: Head coach Michelle Cowan speaks to players at a training session.

TEAM

Jessie Barker – Great Southern Storm

Hannah Bebbington – Coastal Titans

Brooke Blurton – South Fremantle                                                                                                                 

Tayla Bresland – Peel  Thunder                                                                                                                                 

Caitlyn Edwards – East Fremantle                                                                                                                                      

Kellie Gibson – Swan Districts                                                                                                                       

Tarnica Golisano – Joondalup                                                                                                                      

Evangeline Gooch – Applecross SHS

Brianna Green – East Fremantle                                                                                                                         

Carly Howard – SNESA

Kristen Jayasuria – Joondalup

Jessie McDonald – South Fremantle

Hayley Miller – Joondalup                                                                                                                                  

Gabby Moran – Swan Districts                                                                                                                           

Demi Okley – South West                                                                                                                                        

Kira Phillips – Gnowangerup                                                                                                                                 

Asha Price – Swan Districts                                                                                                                                 

Alex Robinson – East Fremantle

Lara Rodin Zimdahl – South Fremantle

Savanna Schimmel – Swan Districts                                                                                                             

Ashley Sharp – Swan District

Rachel Shepherd –  South West                                                                                                                                             

Belinda Smith – Claremont                                                                                                                                   

Kahra Sprlyan – South Fremantle                                                                                                                   

Emma Swanson – Peel Thunder

Katrina Tinson – South Fremantle

Sabrina Traub – Peel Thunder                                                                                                                              

Courtney Ugle – South West                                                                                                                                               

Rhonda Williams – Swan Districts                                                                                                                  

Jessikah Woods – Railways

STAFF

Head Coach – Michelle Cowan – South Fremantle                                                                                           

Team Manager – Janet Seth – East Fremantle                                                                                                          

Assistant Coach – Michelle Harris – South West                                                                                                      

Assistant Coach – Allana Dickie – Swan Districts                                                                                                  

Assistant Coach – Martine Pearman – Coastal Titans                                                                                                 

Head Sports Trainer – Ghislene Goh                                                                                                                    

Sports Trainer/Runner – Philipa Seth – East Fremantle                                                                                                    

Tour Manager – Alison Moore – WAFC