A COBDEN netballer says the support of her experienced teammates helped her manage self doubt.
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Bombers midcourter Sophie Blain will notch her 50th Hampden league A grade appearance on Saturday against Camperdown, aged just 17.
But despite her quick rise to top-level ranks – she debuted at 14 – she took time to feel at ease.
“I have had a few moments where I thought I wasn’t good enough to play A grade,” Blain said.
“The girls around the club, like Helene Myers and Lisa Gardner, are always there on the days I am not playing that well to pick me up and give me a boost.”
Blain, a Mercy Regional College student who hopes to study nursing at university next year, said her junior coach Kerry McGlade and two open grade mentors Tarryn Delaney and Nadine McNamara had also helped her adjust.
She praised older sister Alicia, 19, too.
“My sister has guided me through the journey and makes me feel confident,” she said.
Blain said she had fond memories of her senior debut against North Warrnambool Eagles.
“I still remember the feeling of walking on the court,” she said.
“I was nervous but excited.”