By Stephanie Smarrelli & Sophie Taylor
This time, she could barely get through the conversation.
There were tears again, but they were happy ones.
After years of wondering if she'd get another chance, the Australian Diamonds midcourter finally heard the words she'd been waiting for: she was heading to the Commonwealth Games.
For many on the outside looking in, the reigning Liz Ellis Diamond's selection felt inevitable after a standout Suncorp Super Netball season with the Melbourne Mavericks.
But Price isn't taking anything for granted.
"You can never expect anything," Price said.
"I still had doubts in my mind.
"Having a really good SSN season hopefully allows you to put your best foot forward and the year I've had with the Mavericks was so fun."
Waiting for the call from Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich was hardly enjoyable.
In fact, Price joked she'd told the Diamonds coach she'd much prefer a simple thumbs up or thumbs down via text message.
Instead, she found herself reliving a familiar moment but this time with a very different ending.
Price was thrilled to find out she was in the Commonwealth Games team.
"There's a huge contrast between my two Commonwealth Games selection phone calls with Stacey," she said.
"The worst thing is you're on the phone reacting live, it's the best thing if you get the best news but if you don't get the good news, you just want to cry and curl into a ball.
"This one was a very happy phone call.
“I had happy tears and I couldn't wait to ring Harry [Perryman, Price's fiancé], my parents, my brother and my sister.
"My sister lives over in England so I'll be able to meet my niece for the first time and see my nephew as well."
The journey to the Commonwealth Games has been about much more than improving as a player.
For Price, it has been a lesson in letting go.
Early in her Diamonds career, she admits she was consumed by comparisons and expectations, constantly measuring herself against teammates instead of trusting what she could offer.
"My mindset has changed a lot," she said.
"When I was younger in this Diamonds environment...I had such high expectations of myself.
“When I wasn't doing things right that would make it worse and I'd overthink."
It was the disappointment of missing out on the Birmingham Games that became the turning point for Price.
She travelled as a reserve, free from the pressure she'd always placed on herself, her role was simply to help the team prepare.
Price has learned to not be so hard on herself.
In doing so, she discovered a version of her game she'd never experienced before.
"I was always asking Dad for advice, but it wasn't until I got dropped from the team before Commonwealth Games last time and I went into that environment as a reserve that I felt what it was like with no pressure on me,” she said.
"That was a lightbulb moment, realising, 'Why can't I play freely and enjoy it all the time?'
"I realised what I can bring to a team and that's the biggest change in my mindset.
"I've learned to enjoy the journey because this doesn't last forever.
“You're never guaranteed to be able to play for the Diamonds so when you do you make the most of it."
That newfound freedom has translated into her netball.
A move to the Melbourne Mavericks this season challenged Price to think differently about her game, particularly defensively, while encouraging her to lean into her strengths.
"I've realised my strengths," she said.
"I've learned a lot from Stacey, Richo [Nicole Richardson, Diamonds assistant coach] and even Tan [Tannath Scott, Diamonds’ strength and conditioning lead] in the Diamonds environment.
"Then coming to the Mavericks this year, defensively, I've been challenged by Richo and am thinking about things differently.
"I'm backing my ability to go in really strong and encourage everyone around me."
Price credits her move to the Mavericks for helping her become a stronger player.
Just as importantly, Price believes she's become a stronger leader.
"The leadership skills you build over time to encourage people on the court and to empower each other creates a really strong energy," she said.
"It's important to celebrate the little things because it's so easy when you're playing international netball to forget the little moments."
That philosophy has only grown stronger during her first season at the Mavericks.
At the Mavs, Price found herself surrounded by teammates who embraced personality as much as professionalism, giving her permission to enjoy the game again.
"I understand myself a lot more," she said.
"I've learned so much from the likes of Uneeq [Palavi] who is so herself, she has so much energy and doesn't shy away from who she is as a person and is able to just have fun.
"When you're playing sport professionally you can get so caught up in the professionalism and task ahead you never really celebrate in the moment.
"But this year has taught me to actually enjoy if we win a game and really be present and get around the girls.
"Some people might think that's being arrogant or cocky, but we're just enjoying each other's company and making the most of our achievements in the moment.
"That's something I haven't necessarily done before this year.
Price has learned to celebrate the little wins.
“I've always been focused on what's next instead of what's happening right now."
With the SSN season run and done, Price returns to the Diamonds as one of the squad's senior figures, but she isn't planning to approach the Commonwealth Games any differently.
"Everyone comes from different clubs and has so much leadership experience that there isn't a big expectation on me having to lead or do big things as a more experienced team member," she said.
"Everyone has the same load; it's just making sure I’m coming into this environment with what I can bring to the group.
"Stacey's chosen me because of what I can do so whenever I take the court I’m coming on because I can make an impact in my own way."
Four years ago, Price hung up a Commonwealth Games selection phone call questioning where she stood.
Now, after one of the best seasons of her career, a shift in mindset and a renewed appreciation for simply enjoying the journey, she'll arrive in Glasgow knowing exactly what she brings.
And perhaps that's the biggest difference of all.
