Kelsie Rainbow is set to be the first Tasmanian to run onto a Super Netball court on the back of her latest signing.
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The Winnaleah product joined Collingwood’s roster this year to play in the world’s premier domestic league.
The late inclusion has followed Rainbow’s plans to return home for the club’s Australian Netball League affiliate Tasmanian Magpies.
But the 21-year-old, who switched from Victorian Fury in the offseason, did enough in Collingwood preseason trials up against the visiting Wales and Northern Ireland sides in both Launceston and Hobart to gain the club’s final training partner spot.
“It’s been a long journey for me, but to get on court for the Super Netball Magpies in front of my hometown crowd was an unbelievable feeling,” Rainbow said.
Rainbow fought her way back from a two-year battle with knee tendinopathy that had threatened to curtail her pursuit of a inevitable professional netball career.
But the midcourter’s resilience from injury pathed the way to be the third Tasmanian selected in an Australian world youth squad.
After dominant seasons for Monash University Storm in the Victorian Netball League, Rainbow last year signed as a Melbourne Vixens training partner, but failed to break into the strong lineup.
Collingwood head coach Kristy Keppich-Birrell was impressed with Rainbow’s output in Netball Tasmania’s invitational tournament.
Set to play for the Tasmanian Magpies in their opening clash, Keppich-Birrell told the homecourt favourite she would be showcasing her skills for Collingwood against the international sides.
“You always aspire to play at the top level,” Rainbow said. “So to get the opportunity to do it, particularly in front of my home crowd, that was a special moment for me and one I’ll never forget.”
The promotion still allows for Rainbow to turn out for the Tasmanians should the coaching panel not name her in the Collingwood team.
Keppich-Birrell said the club was thrilled to be able to offer Rainbow a full-time opportunity to work with the Super Netball side.
“Kelsie is an outstanding young person and player, and we are so excited to have her on board as a training partner,” Keppich-Birrell said.
“She has put in a load of work and effort into the program and her own performance, and that is a credit to her professionalism and determination. She has truly earned this opportunity.”
Chief executive of Netball Tasmania Aaron Pidgeon was delighted to hear of Rainbow’s signing is the first serious development for the partnership between the club and the state.
Netball Tasmania is entering its second year of a three-year deal with one of the newest Super Netball clubs.
“Netball Tasmania is extremely pleased with Kelsie's signing as a Magpies training partner,” Pidgeon said.
“This is a fantastic reward for Kelsie following many years of her hard work and dedication.
“And it is proof that Netball Tasmania’s partnership with Collingwood provides a genuine pathway for Tasmanian netballers to play in the Super Netball competition.”