When athletes reach the elite level, it's often not the physical attributes that set them apart, it's the mental fortitude that provides them an edge over their rivals.
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In choosing to study psychology at the University of Wollongong, emerging netballer Maddy Eaton is hopeful she will learn the mental skills required to gain that edge and excel at the highest level.
She's clearly on the right track, with the 18-year-old recently selected in the Canberra Giants squad for the Australian Netball League and named vice-captain of the NSW Under 19s team that will contest next month's Australian Championships.
"I'm so interested in the mind and the potential and power of it," Eaton said. "I think what really drew me to it is the opportunity to do sports psychology. We train and focus so much on the physical side, but it's about mind over matter, that mental aspect is what makes or breaks the person.
"I'm confident studying psychology will help me on court. Netball is a very mental game as well as physical.
"If you're missing shots, it's important to have that positive mindset to regather yourself. If you're put on court in a high-pressure situation, it's important to stay composed. If you have a strong mental state, it's definitely an edge over the opposition."
The selection marks Eaton's second year in the ANL, the competition that acts as a feeder league to the elite Super Netball competition.
Playing as a fresh-faced 17-year-old against grown women, Eaton admits her first year in the league was challenging. But now, one year older and one year wiser, she's looking forward to thriving in the competition.
"Last year I was the youngest one in the team by a few years. It was all new, a little intimidating. Now, having been in that training environment for a year, I feel more at ease, and more confident in my ability to really play my best on the court this year.
"This year I'm hoping to grow as a player through exposure to that level of competition. I'm working on little parts of my game, as a goal attack building a strong connection with my wing attack and goal shooter, make sure my shooting stats are consistent under pressure."
The competition will run for 10 weeks starting in early May, with players from the Giants Super Netball squad set to feature in Eaton's Canberra side.
Given the close links between the Canberra Giants and the top squad, Eaton recognises how important it is that she performs in the ANL if she is to achieve her ultimate goal of playing in the Super Netball competition.
"If you perform in the ANL comp, it sets you up to potentially become a training partner or get a full contract. So it's important to me to really make the most of the opportunity and hopefully set me up to play Super Netball.
"I have had feedback from the coaches, it's been revolved around becoming more consistent with my playing and becoming stronger on the court at this level where there's an increased level of physicality."
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