Amber Coraizin is making waves in netball. A resident of Vredenburg, she has made the West Coast proud on many fronts.
The 24-year-old recently got the opportunity to represent South Africa as part of the National Fast Five netball team in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 November.
This will be her first trip overseas.
However, Coraizin needs R50 000 by Thursday 2 November to make this dream a reality.
The funds will cover her training gear and pocket money, just to name a few.
Hearing the news that she had made the team, Coraizin said, was an overwhelming feeling.
Almost suspended in disbelief, until seeing it in black and white, she regards it as God’s providence in action, “something I am immensely grateful for.
“For me this is just a validation and reward for my hard work and my endless days of showing up through my good and my character-building seasons. I have been through an 18-month reconstruction process, of not being able to play the sports I love due to injury.
“I was able to come back and be better; I had personal goals that I achieved in my previous season.
But this opportunity I consider to be my first highlight.”
Coraizin said her love for netball started at primary school, which developed more as she was exposed to different netball coaches as well as the netball environment.
The sport has granted her so many opportunities, especially getting outside of her home town and comfort zone.
“This sport empowered me to always strive for a better life and always being a better human being every single day.”
Coraizin encourages young netball players never to give up.
“If you really want it, go and work hard, and don’t take any opportunity for granted because you never know when the next one will be. Also be grateful and stay true to your authentic self.
“Lastly, I would want to encourage young netball girls by pleading with them to keep their self-talk positive, keep the mind healthy and never compare yourself to others.
“Please keep on validating yourself and the work you put in.”
Should you wish to contribute and make this young star’s dream come true contact her father, Roderick Coraizin, on 083 922 3791.