JACKSON PAINE
Queensland Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson has been named vice-captain of the Australian Diamonds.
Her appointment comes at the beginning of a busy schedule for the Diamonds with the Netball Quad Series beginning on Saturday, as well as the upcoming Constellation Cup and 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Simpson’s ascension to becoming a member of the national team’s leadership group has been swift, with the Sydney local not even in the Diamonds squad two years ago. WHEN DID SHE JOIN?
The 24-year old attributes her focus on the psychological aspect of her game as the primary factor in her rapid rise.
“I’ve done a lot of work on my mental side and getting to a stage where I have unwavering confidence in myself and my teammates,” Ms Simpson said.
“This, along with the opportunities that have come my way, have played a big role in my improvement.
“It was the highest honour to be voted in by my peers, and the fact that they have chosen me gives me huge confidence in leading them.”
Simpson now has 15 Australian Test Caps and won the coveted Liz Ellis Diamond award this season for being recognised as the best player in the country.
Fresh off a four-goal victory over England on Saturday, Simpson says the win was an important milestone for the side.
“The win was essential for us, especially given the amount of new faces we have in the group at the moment,” Ms Simpson said.
“The Quad Series gives us an opportunity to get to know each other and our best combinations, while also learning more about our opposition.”
With the Commonwealth Games now only seven months away, Simpson says the squad’s preparation is building perfectly in the pursuit of a gold medal.
“We must continue to build every game we play.
“It feels as if we are building a really strong winning culture, which is really promising.”