Success for Stephanie Williams

11.07.2005

Stephanie Williams is 16 years old and attends St Cenydd Comprehensive School. Caerphilly. She began her netball career at Aber Valley YMCA before joining Caerphilly Netball Club but now plays at Central Netball Club in the Cardiff and District League. She is a member of Ystrad Mynach Talent Centre and has represented her county at U14, U16 and U18 level. She obtained her first international cap in March 2005 at the European Championships in Hull. Stephanie was chosen to play as part of the U17 Welsh Squad but the highlight of her netball career to date was being chosen as part of the Welsh U21 Squad to go to Miami in July of this year to take part in the World Youth Netball Championships, despite only being 16 years old! This is a reflection of the talent Stephanie displays in the game of netball.

Her success must also be attributed to the hard work of her school teachers who first recognised Stephs talents, Ann Rawlins and Mair Marley, (St Cenydd have now produced 4 international netball players to date!) and her previous club coach Andrea Matthews.

Julia Longville, Welsh Senior Coach and Director of Coaching and Performance of Welsh Netball said:

“Stephanie is a very versatile player who shows maturity in her play on court. During the European Championships she made some crucial interceptions at key points and her decision making is defined and accurate. She has a very positive and promising future ahead of her in international netball.”

"Stephanie works extremely hard with regards to her skills and fitness and often sacrifices social activities to concentrate on her netball. It seems that her hard work is currently paying off!"

"In my opinion she is an inspiration to all aspiring players."

If anyone requires any information regarding Ystrad Mynach Talent Centre or netball in the Borough, please contact:
Nicola Lewis, Netball Development Officer on 01443 863470 or e-mail lewisn1@caerphilly.gov.uk