Hannah Petty, Kate Shimmin and Kelly Altmann will join co-captains Chelsea Pitman and Layla Guscoth as the driving force amongst the playing group. The Leadership Group will set standards, lead cultural change and create an environment enabling Adelaide Thunderbirds athletes to strive for excellence both on and off the court.
Kate Shimmin, 2013 World Youth Cup vice-captain, believes that her leadership skills have evolved throughout her netball career and she is excited to work with the team in a leader’s capacity.
“I’ve really honed in on my leadership skills and I feel like I’m getting stronger and stronger,” said Kate.
“It’s such a privilege to be a part of the group, and to be voted on by your peers as well, so I’m feeling really good right now.
“We’re really lucky this year that we’ve got ten women in this team that are natural leaders.
“The environment that we’re in at the moment, anyone could step up into that leadership role, because it’s so inclusive and we really feel like we’re getting the best out of ourselves.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my flair to the role, and I think my high standards and always driving to be the best, whether it’s in the weights room or on the court, will be beneficial to the team.
“I think my encouragement too, I’m always encouraging the girls and wanting them to do better plus I’m a good listener, so if the girls want to talk to me then they can,” she said.
Kelly Altmann, who debuted for the club in Round 1, shared her surprise and delight at being selected as part of the leadership group.
“It means a lot to me to be honest, being first year in the system I wasn’t expecting to be in this role for the team, but in saying that I’m also very, very excited and I feel very honoured and proud to representing the club in this leadership role,” said Kelly.
“We’ve got strong values in our team that we want to really concrete as a club and a playing group; moving forward that is a large part of our role, and also assisting the co-captains wherever that may be.
“Our support of Chelsea and Layla is obviously an integral part of the role, and being that leader on and off the court whilst making sure we’re setting the standards high,” she said.
Hannah Petty, entering her fourth year in the Adelaide Thunderbirds environment, is eager to get involved and play a role in driving the team’s standards.
“It is a great honour to be put forward and selected by your teammates to form the leadership group and I was not expecting it but am loving the opportunity,” said Hannah.
“Like Kate said, we’re honestly a team full of ten leaders so the leadership group will look to encourage this from the top and let the roles develop during the season.
“I’d consider myself an on-court leader and someone who leads by actions rather than words.
“It’s such a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and I’m looking forward to the little learnings I will pick up along the way which will help me on and off the court too,” she said.
Catch the newly announced leadership group in action this weekend when the Adelaide Thunderbirds take on Melbourne Vixens at Priceline Stadium on Saturday 11 May 2019.
