She may be known as the quiet achiever of Rand-Walbundrie-Walla but Sophia Kohlhagen's season deserves to be shouted about from the rooftops.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 21-year-old was named the Rising Star of Hume netball this week, having already claimed three awards at the club's end-of-season presentation.
Kohlhagen took out the best-and-fairest in her first year playing A-grade, was voted players' player and also claimed the Giants' club person of the year.
That award recognised her contribution off the court, coaching the club's 15-and-under team as well as producing the Critic for each home game.
"That was a lot of late nights, editing, printing and chasing coaches for reports," Kohlhagen said.
"It was a job I took off someone else to give them a lighter load and I'm happy to help out wherever I can.
"This was my first season of coaching and that was a whole different learning curve. I didn't really know what I was doing at the start but all the girls were so good and it was awesome watching them improve each week.
"I was very shocked (to get these awards). I did not expect it at all but it's good to get something out of the season."
Giants coach Sue Trethowan hailed Kohlhagen's dedication and focus when it came to playing at the higher level.
"Sophia's got a lot of natural talent but she does work very hard," Trethowan said.
"She's a very serious player and there are times when I have to tell her to relax and enjoy herself!
"She's a joy to coach because she tries to improve her game all the time.
"What really impressed me was how she performed under pressure. She's a beautiful shot from distance and she got some fantastic goals in when we needed them.
"She hardly looks like she aims but she just pops them in.
ALSO IN SPORT
"She's a very quiet achiever behind the scenes. A lot of people don't realise how much she does because she just gets on without whinging."
Goal-attack Kohlhagen said her relationship with wing-attack Amanda McCall and shooter Mel McLellan was key all season.
"I've learnt so much from those girls," she said.
"They have a world of knowledge and I feel very grateful to have played with them.
"Having played in the pre-season comp in Albury gave us a stepping stone into the season. It allowed us to figure each other out and get a few of those foundations down.
"I wasn't expecting to play A-grade at all this season.
"It was definitely a shock to the system.
"It took a bit of practice and I was quite nervous at the start but with all the girls backing me, giving me support and advice, it made it a little bit easier."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @bordermail
- Follow us on Instagram @bordermail
- Follow us on Google News