SSP NEWS

Netball

It has been a memorable week for the Netball students with an excursion to Melbourne to have the privilege of witnessing a historic moment in women’s sport and Australian and international netball, with the unveiling of Sharelle McMahon’s bronze statue, recognising her outstanding career as the greatest netball player of the modern era. Having played 118 test for Australia, a captain, World Champion and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, 2 x Premiership Player with Melbourne Vixens and 5 x Premiership Player with Melbourne Phoenix. The statue was unveiled in prime position in front of John Cain Arena, home of the Melbourne Vixens and Australian Diamonds matches in Victoria, and it will inspire many generations to come.

The unveiling significantly was on International Women’s Day, a day we celebrate and acknowledge the achievements, stories and contributions of women within our families, community and society. In Victoria, there are just over 500 statues of males, dogs and animals and only 9 of women. Sharelle is the first Victorian-born athlete to be honoured with a statue. Netball students learnt during education sessions about these alarming numbers and the importance of being seen and recognised as equals, and how we can all encourage and support women.

The students met, chatted and had photos with Sharelle and her statue, as well as Australia Diamonds Captain Liz Watson, Vixens Co-Captain Kate Maloney, Vixens Captain Emily Mannix and past Melbourne Phoenix players. WHC was the only secondary school in attendance - it was a great opportunity for all students to be inspired and empowered by these amazing role models. Sharelle was thrilled to have the players in attendance to witness the occasion with her and hopes it will inspire their own journeys.

Students were then bused to the State Netball Centre, the high performance training base of Netball Victoria and Melbourne Vixens, where they trained and participated in match play.

A massive thank-you to Sharelle and Netball Victoria for allowing this privileged opportunity and experience, and to Coaches Stacey, Georgia, Charlie and Cate for their support on the day.

Susan Meaney

Soccer

Wednesday 8 March saw Western Heights College create history, winning the ‘Schools Cup Invitational’ soccer tournament in the Year 7/8 and 9/10 category. 

In the Year 7/8 Boys, reigning title holders Rowville College fell to newcomers Western Heights College 2-0 in the final, courtesy of a double from William Wright. The Year 9/10 category went down to the wire with the final, Western Heights College v Forest Hill College, being decided by a penalty shootout. Captain Louis Bei and brother Marcus were instrumental in teams performances and neatly slotted home their penalties. The hero of the hour was goalkeeper Jacob Meehan who saved two penalties which resulted in the trophy making its way down to Geelong and giving Western Heights College its first ever Soccer title. The girls category saw soccer powerhouse Rowville take out the honours.

A big congratulations must be given to all the students who were all impeccably well behaved and super supportive of one another. Coaching and support staff also deserve a special mention for creating the environment for the students to shine and express themselves.

Joey Didulica

Basketball 

Another good week on the court this week for the SSP Basketball classes. We are really starting to see some great progress with the focused skills, shooting and concepts. 

This week we would like to say a huge congratulations to Nyapath Machot, Ayisha Balogun, Fletcher Pulleine, Maisie Corcoran & Mary-Rose Yap who have made the Basketball Victoria U16 State Combine that takes place this weekend at the State Basketball Centre. All five athletes have worked really hard to make it this far and we wish them all the best with the round robin tournament which is the final selection process for the Victoria Country & Metro U16 State Teams. 

We'd also like to say a big "good luck" to one of our coaches and captain of the Southside Flyers, Aimie Rocci, as her team begins their finals campaign.  

Kaleb Sclater