For a town to have a single athlete selected for the Western Regional Academy of Sport (WRAS) is impressive, but to have seven is next level.
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In a major step in their sporting careers, Mudgee's Halle Potter (triathlon), Riley Taylor (triathlon), Alesha Bennetts (athletics), Mollie Blackman (athletics), Jorja Bennetts (netball), Rachel Marshall (netball), and Zara Savage (netball) were recently selected for WRAS.
While the acceptance is uncharted territory for the majority, and for others, familiar ground, all seven are "stoked" about the possibilities that will come out of the experience.
"It has been a big dream of mine to make it into WRAS and I'm so happy I can finally say that I did," Zara Savage said.
"I love being part of WRAS, it allows me to meet new people, new coaches and continue to learn new things relevant to sport," Alesha Bennetts said.
"I always race to the best of my ability and place high in all of my tri's...so making WRAS lets me compete with other good athletes and know where I stand in the tri competition," Riley Taylor said.
"Being a part of WRAS means that I can get professional help with nutrition, strength and conditioning and recovery. It means I am taking a step in the right direction for my sporting career," Mollie Blackman said.
"I'm stoked and thankful to be a part of a squad and get the chance to compete with some of the best athletes in the state and get so much support from many coaches and other athletes," Halle Potter said.
"I hope to learn new skills, and be able to play with different girls from across the region, and make new friendships along the way," Jorja Bennetts said.
"It [WRAS] is the first step in the netball NSW pathways, I am excited for the opportunities that can come out of the intense netball program," Rachel Marshall said.
Reaching the highest level they can achieve in their respective sports is the ultimate goal for the athletes, who believe the only way to do so is by having a "strong work ethic" and getting the results.
"When I was younger, my goal used to be to beat my dad but I did that in my first long course triathlon, so now it's to make the national level," Riley said.
I really wish and hope that I go far with my netball. I feel as though if I work hard and really put my mind to it, I can get there.
- Zara Savage
"I would love to play netball professionally. I love the team environment, the people you get to meet and the places you travel. Doing something you love would be awesome," Rachel said.
"As of right now, sport is something I would like to take to the next level. My ultimate sporting goal is to compete for Australia," Mollie said.
"I'd like to see where my athletics takes me, but I also aim to go to uni to study something within the sports/human health field," Alesha said.
"My sporting goal is to go as far with netball as I possibly can, as I love playing the game," Jorja said.
"My ultimate sporting goal is to continue training and racing hard for triathlons and see where it takes me in the years to come," Halle said.
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