By Stephanie Smarrelli
Defender Jazmin McKay is quickly making a name for herself in South Australia.
The teenager echoing the footsteps of her mother Sarah Sutter.
Sarah, Origin Diamond #113 and former vice-captain of the Adelaide Thunderbirds, has had a decorated career, which included gold medals from both the 1995 Netball World Cup and 1998 Commonwealth Games.
It's a career Jazmin dreams of and cherishes the special bond that she's built with her mother Sarah, which has netball at its core.
“I remember her telling me about a premiership she won, her and Harbs (Kathryn Harby-Williams) were the defensive duo. She's told me about all the connections and memories she's made,” she said.
Sarah represented Australia 18 times on the netball court.Looking back on her mum's achievements, Jazmin finds it hard to believe that her mum was one of the world's best netballers.
“It's surreal, I can't believe my mum was actually as good as she was and it feels crazy to be her daughter,” she said.
“Our special connection we have because of netball.”
Jazmin recently represented South Australia at the National Netball Championships in the 17U side which brought home the gold medal. She was also selected in the 2024 Australian 17U pathway squad following the championships.
Outside of her state duties she plays for Contax Netball Club in the Adelaide Metropolitan Netball Division.
While picking up a netball seemed the natural path to take for Jazmin, she is adamant that her mum never forced her to.
“She never really pressured me into it,” Jazmin said.
Jazmin was part of South Australia's 17U gold medal team at this year's National Netball Championships.“She wanted me to follow in her footsteps, so I've played since I was little but always loved it and wanted to get better to strive to be like my mum."
Like Sarah, Jazmin thrives in defence and enjoys the challenges that come with being a defender.
"I love how you're not always getting the ball and you have to try and get the ball,” she said.
"I love having someone to work with because it makes it much more fun and rewarding when you do something together.”
Jazmin explained that her mum often shares her defensive tips and tricks with her.
Jazmin's learned the tricks of the trade from her mother Sarah.“We always have car chats, they're the best as she helps me be the best I can and gives me secret tips and insight into how she played," Jazmin said.
Jazmin hopes that one day she can replicate the success of her mother.
“I would love to follow my mum's footsteps, play for the Diamonds and the Thunderbirds,” she said.
“We'll see where it takes me. I want to push for the best and want to play netball and enjoy it whether that's one day for the Thunderbirds and Diamonds, or not.”
