Sam Poolman has been playing netball in the Hunter since she was seven years old. Since then, she's gone on to represent her region, her state and her country. Sam is a former professional netballer having played for 10 years with the Adelaide Thunderbirds then the Western Sydney Giants.
Sam attributes her success to three key traits - being coachable, passionate and committed. After reaching the highest peak in her chosen sport, she's returned to her home region to help aspiring young athletes follow in her footsteps.
After being involved in the sport for so long, Sam identified a pathway gap for young girls in the Hunter wanting to turn their sporting passion into something more. So she created a program called ASPIRE to help further develop and assist athletes to reach their goals, and we've been right behind her all the way.
ASPIRE assists local netballers in becoming successful on the court and Sam's holistic approach to the program helps develop the life skills and identify personality traits that are vital to a career as an athlete.
ASPIRE Netball is an intensive 10 week program for players between 14-16 years. The program is run in conjunction with the Hunter Academy of Sport Greater Bank Netball Squad.
The program is an opportunity for players to improve their netball skills and learn first-hand what it takes to become a professional athlete. It provides direct coaching from professional players and coaches, specialized physio sessions, strength and conditioning, rehab and recovery resources and a large component on wellbeing. Athletes also are provided with an opportunity to seek feedback and guidance by a mentor.
ASPIRE development is targeted for players between 11-15 years. The three week program focuses on skill development, attack and defending. This training course is a unique opportunity for players to receive coaching by Sam Poolman and is designed to enhance the skills of local players.
The program runs for three 1-hour sessions across 3 weeks at local association courts. The cost for the 3 week program is $70. Participants will receive an ASPIRE Development singlet and Greater Bank Sports Pack.
The ASPIRE Strive program has been developed to help Hunter Region netballers who are aged between 14 to 18 years. The coaching program is delivered by Sam Poolman and aims to prepare athletes to reach their full potential and guide them to success. The 6 month program runs from February – June at Hunter Sports High school using their high quality indoor courts. Participants are selected by application form and cost is involved. With the support of Netball NSW, the program gives athletes a chance to train in a highly developed program once a month in the Hunter.
Only a year since retiring from professional netball, the Greater Bank Ambassador and founder of ASPIRE Netball Program Sam Poolman has been inducted to the Hunter Region’s Sporting Hall of Fame.
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