YOUNGSTER Sophie Kelly has taken the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) quite literally by storm, debuting for Surrey in Round 1 and announcing herself as an extremely talented goaler. In her first outing on the big stage, she posted 18 goals at 78 per cent to complement the likes of former Melbourne Vixens goal shooter Karyn Bailey under the post and help guide her side to victory.

“It was so exciting, especially for it to happen so soon into the season,” Kelly said. “It was amazing to finally realise that all my hard work had paid off and that I had reached the final stage of the pathway at Storm.”

Having come up through the pathways at Surrey Storm the young goaler documented her journey, the steps it has taken for her to get where she is today – a member of a VNSL squad despite only being 16. A couple of key influences have shaped Kelly’s career so far, with her quickfire development credit to a number of people in her community who have rallied around her from a young age.

“I have been incredibly lucky in that I have progressed through the pathway very quickly. I first begun my journey at storm in the U14 squad which was my first taste of franchise netball.”

“At Storm Emily Nemeth has always steered my journey. She has known me since an U14 and has always given me such amazing opportunities as well as always being there for a chat and support when I need it,” she said.

Kelly also paid homage to her local league club and head coach who has helped guide her and foster her love for the game.

“At local club, Weston Park Blades, Jan Crabtree the head coach has taught me a huge amount and really developed my game.”

Still only young, Kelly has already had many memorable moments with a silver medal at the National Under 15s tournament the first one to spring to mind.

“I have had many highlights with the pathway, my favourite being winning silver at the National U15 tournament. The pathway coaches have always been there to support me through every stage of my journey and have made so many great friends with other girls involved.”

On a VNSL level she has wasted no time making a name for herself and acknowledges the time in which it has taken her to develop, as well as the impact being able to train in an elite environment such as the Storm has had on her skillset.

“It’s a huge privilege especially during these COVID times. Being able to carry on all of our training has been brilliant and I have enjoyed every second of it,” Kelly explained. “It’s such an amazing opportunity for me to be able to train and play with such experienced athletes who operate at such a high level. The coaching is exceptional and I am learning new things every time I train.”

Unsure whether or not the VNSL season was going to go ahead given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and protocols in place in the UK, the Storm goaler explained that all the players were well versed when it came to the guidelines and that life is pretty straightforward in terms of managing training sessions and so forth. Most importantly, Kelly and her teammates are grateful for the opportunity to get out on court.

“The restrictions haven’t been too bad and they are very small price to pay in exchange for being able to play netball. We always stick to the guidelines with sanitisation and masks and have gotten much more used to it,” she said.

Still coming to terms with her childhood dream of playing VNSL, Kelly highlighted the experience of playing against some of the most notable names in the competition such as Wasps and England Roses defender Fran Williams.

“It’s amazing to have new challenges thrown at me every week, playing against such experienced players, for example Fran Williams, is a huge challenge but I enjoy every second and am learning so much.

Looking at her own game, Kelly believes that she tries to model her efforts and attacking forays off the likes of New Zealand Silver Ferns goaler, Monica Falkner who is renowned for her silky movement while also mentioning home nation hero, Helen Housby who is a damaging option under the post and a real playmaker.

“Growing up I always loved watching Monica Falkner in the ANZ [Premiership] as it was always on Sky. I think she is an amazing player and have always looked up to her and admire the way she plays the game,” Kelly said. “I also watch Helen Housby whenever I can, she is such an amazing example of what you can achieve as an English player.”

Still at school, balance is no easy feat for Kelly, who has been tasked with the challenge of managing her training and Surrey Storm commitments along with school work and being a teenager. However, she heaped praise on her family and school for all the assistance they have provided along the way.

“Sometimes it is difficult to fit everything in but what I have found the most useful is just being as organised as possible. My school is extremely supportive and understanding of my commitments which makes fitting everything in much easier. My parents are also amazing in the amount of driving they do for me.”

Surrey are set to take on Severn Stars on Friday with the nimble goaler looking to get more valuable minutes out on court and ply her trade alongside her teammates.