WAGGA netball prodigy Sophie Fawns has taken another big step in her quest to realise her Super Netball dream after being named as a NSW Swifts training partner for next season.
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The goal-attack, who will turn 18 later this month, has been promoted after two years in the Swifts Academy.
In September, the Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes premiership star was named in the Australian under-19 squad for 2021-22.
Fawns is one of six young players promoted to training partners for the defending Super Netball premiers, and it's the first time all have been selected from the Academy since it was founded in 2019.
She plans to move to Sydney next year to attend university and plays for Panthers in the Sydney Premier League.
"I'll be in the environment with them (main squad) a lot more. I'll train with them and be a reserve in games," Fawns said.
"I'm looking forward to getting in there and doing training, it's definitely one step closer (to achieving my dream).
"I'm really excited to learn from them, gain a bit of insight and improve my game."
Fawns has already featured in pre-season games for the Swifts, and the promotion is another sign the club views her as a viable prospect to eventually make their official squad.
"It is really special to see how these players have progressed from NSW state teams into the academy and now they will be a vital part of our aim to win back-to-back titles for the first time in almost 15 years," Swifts coach Briony Akle said.
"It was a rigorous selection process and there were some tight calls, but it is good to have to those tough decisions to make as it means the program is working.
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"I know these players have the right aptitude and attitude to be in our environment and their efforts to this point are a testament to them, and those who have assisted them along their respective journeys to this point.
"Sophie won't get a better netball education than training alongside Sam Wallace and Helen Housby daily."
The Swifts will begin their Super Netball title defence in March 2022.
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