Lavington's Grace Hay nominated for Ovens and Murray's Rising Star Award

Just this year the talented 17-year-old has made Netball Victoria's 17 and under State Development Squad, the Riverina School Sports Netball Squad for the Combined High School's Netball Carnival, and represented Vic Country on the football field in the under-17s.

But in the midst of a pandemic, Hay has missed out on fulfilling some of these milestones.

So when she received the chance to play in Lavington's A-grade netball side this season, she knew she had to grab the opportunity with both hands.

Her determination and eagerness to develop her skills now sees her nominated for the Ovens and Murray's Rising Star Award for 2021.

"I learnt a lot, but mostly I learnt not to take these opportunities for granted," she said.

"I feel like it will really benefit me."

Hay became an integral part of the Panthers' defensive line-up, helping them to a fourth place finish.

With the Ovens and Murray forced to cancel the remainder of the season, Hay admitted she was disappointed not to experience her first A-grade finals series.

"I was so pumped to play finals," she said.

However, she's already claimed a football premiership with the Lavington Pink Panthers in the 2019 under-17s Female Football League grand final, where she put forward a best on ground performance.

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While some of her football and netball commitments weren't able to proceed this year, she's now looking forward to what 2022 may have in store for her.

"I've been focusing on netball, but we're starting pre-season for Bushies in a couple of weeks hopefully if everything goes well," she said.

The Murray High School student is in her last week of year 11.

She admits sport and study is becoming a juggling act.

"I'm definitely finding it quite hard," she said.

"I'm hoping to continue playing both sports next year.

"I would just like to get as far as I can."

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