From Goal Shooter to State Team Dreams: Meet Ella Douros
Every netball journey is different, and for Ella Douros, hers has been about building confidence, overcoming challenges and rediscovering her love for the game. From competing against taller players as a Goal Shooter to dreaming of representing NSW, Ella is proof that determination and a positive mindset can take you a long way on the court.
Ella started playing netball at just 10 years old, and she quickly found her favourite position: Goal Shooter. While playing as a shorter shooter can come with its challenges, Ella hasn't let that hold her back.
Instead, she's focused on improving her game by working on her plyometrics, helping her compete against taller opponents and find ways to make an impact in the shooting circle.
Her approach is a great reminder that being a great netballer isn't just about your height or physical attributes. It's about understanding your strengths, putting in the work and finding ways to keep improving.
For Ella, one of the best things about netball goes far beyond what happens on the court. It's the friendships, connections and sense of community that make the sport so special.
Through the carnivals and trials she's attended, Ella has made so many new friends and experienced first hand just how supportive the netball community can be.
She loves how encouraging everyone is, and it's this sense of belonging that makes netball about so much more than the final score. Whether you're meeting new teammates, competing alongside friends or supporting other players, the people you meet along the way can make the journey unforgettable.
Like many athletes, Ella's journey hasn't always been easy. One of her biggest challenges has been managing anxiety, which once made stepping onto the court difficult.
The pressure of the game could feel overwhelming, sometimes causing her to panic when it was time to play. But rather than allowing those experiences to define her netball journey, Ella gradually found her way back to the thing that started it all: her love for the game.
Today, her biggest accomplishment isn't necessarily a result or an award. It's learning to enjoy netball again.
Finding that enjoyment and rebuilding her confidence is a huge achievement, showing that progress isn't always measured in goals scored or games won. Sometimes, the biggest victories happen within yourself.
Looking ahead, Ella has her sights set on an exciting goal: one day making the NSW state team.
She's inspired by Teigan O'Shannassy, whose journey of overcoming struggles and returning to the court stronger has had a lasting impact on Ella. Seeing someone persevere through difficult times reminds her that setbacks don't have to be the end of the story.
With her determination, growing confidence and love for the game, Ella is continuing to work towards her goals, one game at a time.
Ella's story is a reminder that every player's journey looks different. It's about backing yourself, surrounding yourself with good people and remembering why you fell in love with netball in the first place. And for Ella, this is only the beginning.
