Determined Jauncey to lead from the back

By Sophie Taylor

A proud Yaruwu woman, Scarlet Jauncey was born in Western Australia but lived in Queensland for five years and ultimately began her netball journey within the Queensland state pathway.

Jauncey’s self-described “hard-working attitude” helped in her pursuit for higher level netball once she made the return to WA.

“I made the state team in Queensland for the 15/U squad, and then moved back over to WA and then made the state teams over here, so was pretty happy with that,” Jauncey explained.

“As soon as I set my mind to something, I want to be the best at it.”

Entering her third year within the Western Australia team, and this year named captain, Jauncey has high hopes for what her team can produce after finishing runners up in 2023.

I was captain in my top-aged 17s so I really wanted to push for 19s captain this year,” Jauncey said.

“I’ve played in the National Netball Championships for two years now, so I sort of have an idea what to expect, but it's a little bit different every year.

“The most important thing is to not underestimate any teams or any players because they all have their own strengths.”

A calm and composed head in defence, Jauncey is looking forward to getting into action for a “big, tough week of netball”.

“I bring a strong body in the defensive area, especially against some of Australia's best shooters for the age group. Also a high level of communication with my team and keeping them hyped up on and off the court,” Jauncey added.

Jauncey is a recipient of the Western Australian Institute of Sports scholarship in 2024, following her Australian 19/U squad selection in 2023.

This scholarship includes access to high performance facilities and support systems, something that Jauncey is proud to be a part of.

“After we went away for Aus camp last year, they identified a couple athletes per state for the scholarship,” Jauncey explained.

“I started this year, and it's been really amazing. We do our gyms here, with amazing facilities, recovery centres, amazing staff.

“It’s just an all around great experience here, and it's been really great to take it to the next level and be able to see the high level athlete environment, obviously training next to other sports.”

Barring Covid, Jauncey hasn’t experienced many setbacks.

“Touch wood!” Jauncey laughed.

“Obviously Covid was a big one for everyone our age going through the pathways but another setback was missing Australian selection (during top-age 17s).

“It was my first year competing at such a high level, I didn't really know what to expect. Then I worked even harder to make it 19s bottom-age, which I was happy with.”

When it comes to netball idols, Jauncey admires Origin Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam.

 “I’ve had a couple online chats with her and everything through the pathways, she's been really supportive of me,” Jauncey explained.

 “She’s been a huge inspiration for me, obviously, being an indigenous woman herself.

“To be able to see that at the high level is amazing, because there's not much. She’s a great, strong player who I really look up to.”

Watch all National Netball Championships matches live and on demand on KommunityTV.