Get to Know Your Sports Captains

This week find out a little bit more about some of our Sports Captains – How they became involved in their sports and the athletes who inspire them and why.

Hayley Kenzler – AFL Captain

When and why did you start your sport? 
I started playing AFL in 2018 when my friend asked me to join a club with her. I had watched the sport since I was very young and had been thinking of playing for a while. 

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
My favourite athlete is Jeremy Cameron because he’s an amazing forward goal scorer who has the ability to pluck the ball from the air and fend off defenders well all while being a jokester on the field.  

Kiara Shine – Athletics Captain

When and why did you start your sport? 
I started athletics in 2014, and have been going to Little Athletics every season since. I started it because my mum really wanted me to do athletics when I was younger, but she always thought it was a winter sport and kept missing out on the season!

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
My favourite athlete is Jessica Ennis. She is one of my idols; one of my goals is to start heptathlons because of her!

Gloria Lim – Badminton Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I think 2018, because I got bored with Softball and wanted to try something new. Turns out, badminton required more strategic plays, which I enjoyed and so, I continued playing it.

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
Klay Thompson because he has a nice beard and he’s pretty cool.

Sabine Saad – Basketball Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I started playing basketball when I was 9 and because all the cool people played basketball and I wanted to be cool like them. 

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
Leilani Mitchell, she plays on the Australian Opals and is one of the shortest players to ever be drafted into the WNBA. She is my favourite athlete as she played for my WNBL team (Sydney Uni Flames) and despite her height has one of the highest point averages of the league (also I have met her, and she is extremely humble and kind).

Ava Lee – Diving Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
Year 4 so 2014, I think, at MLC School Aquatic Centre. I started because I was bored of watching my sister do gymnastics and I saw people doing diving and said that looks fun.

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
Shaun White, because he looks cool doing his tricks at the snow

Natalia Giannakos – Football Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I first began playing football in Year 3 as part of the school IPSHA competition, which was initially a way to socially engage with friends and have fun. In Year 8 I joined my first club team, Abbotsford, before wanting to pursue football at a higher more competitive level in Year 9, joining the NPL program. For the next two years I played at APIA before moving to the North Shore Mariners to advance my skills which is enhanced by my commitment to the MLC School IGSSA competitions and CIS cup. Overall, I participate in the sport to elevate my football ability whilst making new friends and ultimately enjoying myself.

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
My favourite athlete is Sam Kerr. Her role as the captain of the Matildas and undeniable talent has set a platform for the growth of women’s sport, particular football in Australia. Along with this, her tenacity, skill and her backflip goal celebrations never fail to entertain and drive my passion for football.

Lily Scanlon – Hockey Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I started playing hockey at the age of 6 because my mum has played hockey from when she was a child as well and I just fell in love with the sport from there. 

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
Kayln Ponga. In my opinion he carries the Knights. He has great skills and is also a very good tiktok dancer!

Vanessa Ryan – Netball Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I started netball when I was 9 years old because mum enrolled me in my local club team and I’m forever grateful she did! Since the grass court days, I’ve grown to love the sport so much and it’s been an amazing way to meet new people, play in different representative teams, and develop my teamwork and perseverance.  

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
My favourite athlete is Naomi Osaka because she is really humble and lets her amazing hard work and talent do the talking. Another inspiring athlete for me is Laura Geitz because she has incredible athletic skills and was a great ambassador for the sport and captain of the Australian Diamonds for so long.

Claudine Talbot – Snowsports Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I started in Year 7 because I was told I would get a week off school and it sounded fun. 

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
Jessie Diggins. She’s an American cross-country skier (the underdogs in the mostly European dominant sport) and won a gold medal at the 2018 Olympic games. She’s really passionate for the sport and an amazing role model to younger female athletes. My other fave athlete is Johannes Klaebo.

Katie Sutherland – Touch Football Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I started playing touch football in Year 7 because my dad has always loved rugby and I loved the idea of a slightly less dangerous sport! Fun fact: on my way to trials in Year 7 my dad explained all the rules to me in the car, because I had no idea how to play…

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
Ash Barty because I think her attitude and technique are admirable. Her game play is so strategic, and it’s been amazing to see her develop as a player over the last couple of years.

Fiona Mackenzie – Volleyball Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I started playing volleyball in Year 8. I used to watch my brothers play volleyball and was determined to learn how to spike, so I began playing at MLC School. Initially, the skills were difficult to get the hang of (in terms of digging, setting, and spiking), however, I now know how to spike just like my brothers. I strongly recommend learning to play volleyball for this reason – nothing is more satisfying than spiking and winning the point for your team!

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
I honestly don’t really have one, I prefer watching random volleyball and rugby games! I guess I’ll say Roger Federer. As to why… he seems nice. 

Kimberly Keogh – Water Polo Captain

When and why did you start your sport?
I started playing water polo in Year 5 as I used to be a swimmer but decided I wanted to have a break from squad swimming . I was heavily involved in Year 7 once I realised my love and passion for the sport!  

Who is your favourite athlete and why?
One of my favourite athletes is Cathy Freeman, as I believed she achieved so much not only in her sport but also for all Aboriginal people. It is amazing that she became the first female Australian Aboriginal to win gold medal at an international athletic event which demonstrates one of the many reasons she regarded as a role model. Cathy Freeman is an inspiration for people of all ages as she proves that hard work does pay off and to fight for your dreams!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport