Inspiration comes in many forms. At its best, it's a two-way street.
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When the Shooting Stars Black Diamonds head into Wagga Netball's C Grade grand final this weekend, they'll have their kids to thank for leading them back to the sport. At the same time, they're setting a fine example.
With daughters playing at the club, Lisa Maynard, Karri von Mengersen and Danni McIntyre decided a few years ago that it was time to get back on the court
"Our kids played for Shooting Stars. They started in about year one and we've coached their teams when they were little," McIntyre said.
An involvement as parents soon evolved into playing.
"We'd been off for 30 years before we put the netball uniforms back on," von Mengersen says, with a little exaggeration.
"Maybe a little bit less than 30..."
For all the laughs, there is a real benefit as the next generation witnesses involvement in sport for fun.
Sophie von Mengersen plays alongside her mum with the adults. Sister Phoebe is with Shooting Stars under 16s. Josie McIntyre is in the 11s. Eliza Maynard plays in the under eights and her sister Izzy is a defender in the Shooting Stars Opals under 12s.
"I love watching my mum play because she inspires me to be a better defender," Izzy says.
"I take advice from her and she also teaches me how to be a very good sport."
Josie is also a defender. To her, netball is about enjoyment. And that's what she's seen in the mums.
"They have a lot of fun with it, a lot of laughing," Josie says.
The ambition has evolved too though. From a focus on friends and fitness, what's it about now?
"A bit of GF action," von Mengersen says.
The Diamonds have been minor premiers and runners-up. But a premiership has been elusive. So far.
"This could be it. This could be our year," von Mengersen says, adding that some younger recruits have helped.
And there's form on the board.
"We did beat the top of the table last week (Uranquinty Sapphires), who we play again this week, so we're hoping," Maynard says.
At least when the intensity builds, they won't have to look far for a voice of reason.
"My advice is just to have fun with it and not take it too seriously," Josie says.
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