Following in her mother’s footsteps

Mid South East netball star earns call up to Thunderbirds Academy’s top level program

Chloe Peacock is already building an impressive resume and the 15 year old has just added to it by gaining selection in the newly formed Thunderbirds Academy as an emerging athlete – a Statewide development program that includes only 19 netballers.

The Kalangadoo netballer has already been on court for nine years, following in the footsteps of her mother Jayde Peacock, who has one of the most impressive resumes in the region – a career that has spanned decades and has a trophy cabinet full of Mid South East A Grade premierships; grand final best on court accolades; multiple association best and fairest awards and numerous Team of the Year selections. She also made her mark in the Western Border Netball Association with individual accolades that include association best and fairest and team of the Year honours.

Chloe already has back to back 15 & under Mid South east Association best and fairest awards and while still playing in that age group, is also set to hit the A and A reserve court in the 2023 season as she continues to fast track her development.

Chloe, along with a raft of other Limestone Coast hopefuls were put through their paces earlier this year in a five hour trial at Keith and the Year 10 Grant High School student clearly impressed in both the skills sessions and match play.

Having already been part of the Thunderbirds Academy in a different form last year, as well we representing Mid South East at the SA Country Championships on multiple occasions, Chloe also has value-added to her training by securing a place in the Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy.

“I’m fortunate to be a member of the Limestone Coast Sporting Academy which sees me train twice a week at the gym and I also complete weekly junior and senior netball trainings at Kalangadoo,” Chloe said.

She also has access to some impressive mentors at her home club.

“I have learnt a lot from watching my mum and other Kalangadoo senior players and I’m lucky to have a great coach at Kalangadoo in Melissa Russell who continues to help me to enjoy the game and develop,” Chloe said.

And it is her enjoyment of the game and the simplest reasons for playing netball that keep Chloe motivated.

“I enjoy being a part of a team and the friendships I’ve made through the sport and I love that it challenges me every time I step out on the court,” she said.

Chloe is making her mark as a mid courter, predominantly centre, but she already has developed a strong team first attitude that will help take her just as far as her talent, athletic ability and skill will.

“My favourite position is centre but I enjoy playing any position needed within my team,” she said.

You don’t earn a place in elite pathway programs if you don’t already have some clearly identifiable strengths but Chloe is also relishing the opportunities her place in the academy will give her to even further improve.

“I see my defensive pressure as a strength as well as my ability to read the play,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and working hard to improve my netball skills and knowledge and then being able to share these with my club and team mates.”

Chloe is one of two Limestone Coast netballers to make the emerging athlets academy squad.

LOOKING TO MAKE HER MARK: Chloe Peacock in action in three different positions during round on Mid South East action.