The all abilities netballer determined to inspire

By Stephanie Smarrelli 

 
Captain of South Australia’s all abilities netball team Isabella Ivancic-Holland has one key message for other people living with disabilities. 

“Don’t be scared about playing sport,” Ivancic-Holland said. 

“Don't let anyone say to you: ‘you're not good enough, you can't do this, or you won't fit in’. Don't listen to that background noise. 

“Go, play, have fun and smile.” 

The 27-year-old is a firm believer in giving opportunities to athletes no matter their ability. 

“It's really important for everyone with all abilities to play sport and be given the opportunity to play in teams together and be accepted,” she said. 

“Often people aren’t interested in sport because they feel like they aren’t good enough, but they are good enough. 

“They've got the talent within them and should give it a go, if they make it into teams then they can go out there and have fun.” 

Ivancic-Holland was diagnosed with autism at just two years old, then eight years later she was diagnosed with epilepsy.  

“Without my medications I would be having seizures and would be unable to play sport,” she said. 

“My last one (seizure) was in 2014.” 

She offered a nod to her family and friends who she said have been a huge support over the years, and without them, she simply wouldn’t be where she is today. 
 
“Throughout my time representing South Australia at the Marie Little Shield, my family and boyfriend have given up their time to travel and watch me,” she said. 

“I've got friends who play netball with me and we’ve travelled to play together interstate, they've been great.” 
 
The captain of the South Australian Rubies loves the feeling she gets when she takes to the court but confessed, she almost gave it up for good when she was younger. 

"I started when I was eight years old at my local club but then I stopped playing when I was around 10,” she said. 

“When I was 13, my high school teacher asked me if I wanted to play netball down at Netball SA Stadium and I was like, ‘okay’.” 

The rest is history for the 27-year-old who is happy to play no matter what bib is handed to her. 

“I prefer goal attack and centre, because I can shoot in goal attack and just run around in centre,” she said.  

 
“But I also play goal shooter and goal defence, pretty much everywhere.” 

During the winter season she plays for the Semaphore Centrals Netball Club every Saturday but also enjoys spending time on another sport. 

"I'm playing ten pin bowling,” she said. 

“It’s not a massive competition, just social for a bit of fun.”  

While she enjoys the rush of knocking over bowling pins, Ivanic-Holland enjoys standing alongside her Marie Little Shield teammates even more. 

Debuting for the team as a 13-year-old before being appointed captain for the first time in 2016. 

“It's always an honour to put on the Rubies’ dress every year,” she said. 

“Representing the state and bringing home a medal whether it's gold, silver or bronze is an amazing feeling.  

“Plus, I have so much fun and make new friends each time.” 

This year’s tournament was extra special for Ivancic-Holland who left with more than just a bronze medal. 

"I was expecting someone from the gold medal match to win the tournament’s MVP,” she said. 

“I told one of my teammates ‘it's not me, it's definitely not me’ but then my name was called. 

"I wasn't expecting it at all, having my family and my boyfriend there cheering me on as I accepted it was such an amazing feeling.”  
 
The 27-year-old's favourite memory from the Marie Little Shield though is from the 2019 tournament. 

“We won in 2019 and were undefeated,” she said. 

“Before the gold medal match against Victoria I was nervous and I normally never get nervous before important matches. 

“We started off slow but eventually won, it was an amazing weekend.” 

Ivancic-Holland attributed some of her growth to the Marie Little Shield competition. 
 
“I've improved not just in play but also my leadership skills,” she said. 

“I've done well to lead the team whether it's a win or a loss, I've improved year in, year out. 

“I do have challenges, sometimes you have your good days and sometimes you have your bad days, sometimes you make it through to the finals, but you bow out in straight sets and that's a massive challenge.” 

There are a few key figures who have inspired Ivancic-Holland, including one local champion from Semaphore. 

“I look up to my club president Joyce McNab,” she said. 

“She’s been playing and running the club all her life. 
 
“I also look up to Tricia Crockford, head coach of the SA Rubies, she’s motivated me a lot in the team.” 
 
Ivancic-Holland's other three netball idols have all pulled on the Origin Diamonds kit. 

“Gretel Bueta, Renae Ingles and Courtney Bruce,” Ivancic-Holland said. 

“The all have so much talent, whether they’re still playing or not.” 
 
When asked how the wider community can help create safe spaces and support the all abilities community, Ivancic-Holland had one message. 

“Donating some money to not only teams but to players to compete at events like the Marie Little Shield,” she said. 

“Marie Little Shield is growing each year, I really hope we get the same sponsors for next year and beyond.”