State team spot is dream come true

Fulfilling her dream to represent WA, Katanning's Rebecca Doak recently returned from competing in the Superleague Netball National Championships in NSW.

After failing to qualify for the 18-and-under netball squad when she was 16, Doak was successful in stealing a spot in the 21-and-under State team and was even named vice- captain.

Doak said it was a huge achievement and the whole experience was very new to her.

"There were six teams that competed and we came fifth, which was a bit disappointing, but over the last two years the 21s haven't won a game, so it was great to have that win," she said.

"It was a big achievement and all the players I competed against and in my team, their skills were amazing."

Doak has been playing netball since she was eight years old, and began playing Superleague netball at Leeming's Striker club in 2013.

The State squad was selected over two weekends in September last year, followed by a month-long training period until WA selectors cut the side back to only 12 players.

After a gruelling selection process, Doak said she fell ill the day before the side flew out.

"I wasn't happy, but once we started playing I sorted it out and got over it," she said.

"With all the excitement, you get over the tiredness and soreness and just keep pushing."

The team completed six months of training and weekly matches to prepare for the competition, which consisted of eight games over three days.