And, for Echuca's Claudia Mawson, 17, the chance to play in the Victorian Netball League was something she was more than excited at.
Though the news did not come at the best time.
“I got a phone call to say I'd been selected when we were driving home from Shepparton,” she said.
“We'd just lost the (Goulburn Valley League) preliminary final to Shepp United, so it was a bittersweet moment.”
Mawson, who claimed Echuca's A-grade best and fairest and finished fourth in the GVL's Wellman Family Medal, has signed on as a member of the Melbourne University Lightning for next year.
The league was the highest grade of netball in the state outside of the national competition.
The selection followed a recent trial with the club.
“I've been involved in an academy this year,” she said.
“It's a pathway top the VNL, so in that time I've been exposed to a lot different coaches and systems to try and make me a better player. It's been suggested we try out for a few different clubs as a result.”
Mawson chose to try out with Lightning, as she hoped to study at the university next year and said the connection made sense.
“I've heard a lot of good things about the club,” she said.
“I went to a trial a few weeks ago where I think I performed alright and got a phone call from Elissa Kent (Lightning coach) not long after to accept me into the team.
“I've been selected as a goaler, which is exciting for me as I have played goal attack with the (Murray) Bombers this year, but I have been playing mid-court with the academy.”
Mawson held her home club in high esteem for its role in her selection.
“I play with an incredible group of girls,” she said.
“We had a great year this season, as we did last year. To fall just short of getting back to the grand final is disappointing no doubt, but its an incredibly strong club and I'm hoping to see them succeed again in 2020.”
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