Seaside star looking to make her mark

Kingston netballer keen to take advantage of Thunderbirds Academy opportunity

There is no denying Piper Stenner’s dedication to her sporting career. She trains diligently and also knows the value of recovery, often braving the icy cold Kingston ocean to ensure she is always in the best condition to train and play hard.

Piper is one of three Limestone Coast based netballers to have earned a spot in the 2023 Thunderbirds Academy – an Emerging Athlete program that sees the teenager working with elite coaches as one of the best 20 junior netballers in the State. Piper was always destined to play netball with her parents and siblings paving the way through football and netball at Kingston – she first hit the court as a seven year old.

The 14-year-old clearly impressed at the gruelling Thunderbirds Academy trial which was a six hour session held in Keith. “A range of drills, exercises and skills were presented for us to follow and after that it was court play, with rotations in different positions, different teams and against different opponents,” Piper said.

Earning her place in the elite pathway program will only build on what Piper has already achieved, including her A Grade debut already this season for her Saints.

Piper is already on the radar of netball officials, having represented South Australia at last year’s national championships as part of the Under 15 State Schoolgirls team, and she has a resume already littered with individual awards, representative honours and club and school team success.

The Kingston Community School student has a clear passion for the sport, which no doubt, helps fuel “I enjoy netball as it is a challenge, and builds my fitness and strength,” Piper said. “I enjoy team sports and leadership.

Playing has helped to build my confidence and playing in a variety of teams and at different levels has resulted in me making many new friendships.”

Netball also keeps her busy, playing Division 1 (17 & under); A reserve and A Grade for Kingston in the 2023 Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association season.

Circle defence is where she most loves playing but she is also honing her skills in mid court roles, mainly wing defence and centre.

“I train twice a week with Kingston seniors and once a week with the juniors and I have been involved in the 5km park runs and do my own running throughout the week,” Piper said.

And that’s before you factor in trainings for representative teams and the Thunderbirds Academy sessions – it is little wonder she has very quickly realised the need for recovery.

“I will often do my own recovery sessions – which involves the freezing cold Kingston ocean,” she said.

Piper has already shown good leadership qualities – she is a vocal team mate on court – and leads by example with her unrivalled determination, ability to read the play and her strong defensive mindset.

The Thunderbirds Academy opportunity, alongside the State’s best players, learning from the State’s best coaches, has Piper already identifying areas she hopes she will improve.

“I definitely want to work on my agility, speed and match day strategies,” she said. Of course, none of this happens without support and Piper has had her share.

“My parents as they are my biggest supporters and have helped encourage and push me to achieve my goals,” she said. “The head coaches I had through the Thunderbirds Academy last year as well as Mark, my State coach.”