The teen with her sights set on SSN

By Stephanie Smarrelli
 

Returning to the National Netball Championships after missing the end of last year's tournament teenager Charli Hoey is raring to go. 

For Hoey, her journey has been hindered by injury setbacks with the 17-year-old enduring a rollercoaster 2023.  

The up-and-coming defender was in the middle of last year's championships when a knee injury halted her campaign.  

“Last year's nationals started great, I was vice captain of the Under 17s team and our campaign began strongly but then I got bone bruising in my left knee,” she said. 

"I had daily checkups with the physio to see how I was going and then they gave me the bad news that I wouldn't be able to play the rest of the tournament.” 

Despite the injury Hoey made the most of the experience. 

“I enjoyed being with people my age, seeing what it's like to be outside of my family environment and connecting with people I might not have connected with otherwise,” she said. 

Following the tournament Hoey was invited to the Australian Squad Camp, although eager to attend she was out of luck again. 

Having recovered from the bone bruising she was now dealing with a stress fracture. 

Things started to swing into Hoey's favour soon after with the teenager receiving another shock call up in 2023, being named as a reserve for Australia's Commonwealth Youth Games team. 

“I didn't even know it was coming up, it was a great surprise,” she said. 

“I was a bit nervous at the start though, being so young and knowing there was a possibility I'd have to travel to the other side of the world.” 

Hoey didn't need to travel in the end but was excited to be part of the team's journey to gold. 

“It was great connecting with them on calls and being part of it," she said.  

Despite being knocked down by multiple injuries Hoey is more determined than ever to chase her dreams. 

She trains four times a week and plays one game a week in the Victoria Netball League (VNL) representing the Geelong Cougars.  

In 2023, she won the Division One premiership with the side but with the league's format structure changing for 2024 she's moved into the 23 and under team. 

"I love playing with the Cougars. Last year winning the Division One Premiership was great but I'm excited to be in the 23 team. I can't wait to see where that goes,” she said. 

“Winning the Division One Grand Final last year, especially being one of the younger ones in the team is my favourite memory. It was good to celebrate and know all the hard work finally paid off.” 

VNL aside, the youngster is looking forward to her return to the National Netball Championships, particularly with her home state hosting this year's event. 

“I'm excited to see lots of spectators there from my hometown and to be playing in the older age group,” she said. 

"Competing in the U19s will be a new experience for me as everyone is older and more mature on court.”  

While forging her own path the teenager has her sights set on following in the footsteps of the Victorian athletes in the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN).  

The year 12 student admitting she admires Melbourne Vixen Jo Weston. 

“Jo is a big idol of mine, watching the way she not only plays on court but behaves off it, her positive energy in that team inspires me to be better,” she said. 

Hoey also looks up to Vixens Emily Mannix and Zara Walters who both graduated from the same school she attends as well as Vixens training partner Ruby Barkmeyer. 

“Emily, Zara and Ruby coached us at school last year, it was a huge privilege. I got a lot of insights into professional behaviours and what they learn in SSN,” she said. 

Hoey hopes her netball career is only just beginning with her goal, a Suncorp Super Netball contract. 

“One of my main goals is to get into an SSN team," she said. 

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