Isabella McCulloch is not afraid to step outside her comfort zone.
The 16-year-old netballer from Thames High School proved it recently when she put her best foot forward at a Netball Waikato-Bay of Plenty development session alongside 66 of the top secondary school players.
“The testing was challenging but also a really good experience because it pushed me to show what I could do as a player,” she said.
Not only did it boost the year-12 student’s confidence, from there the young star was selected to join a 22 player squad for the Magic in the Making Advance camp on October 18 at the Matamata Netball Centre. The camp is a high-performance development training event hosted by Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty Zone.
“I was honestly excited and proud of myself when I found out I had made the squad.”
“Being selected out of 66 players is [a] really special achievement for me. It meant a lot to me because I know how much work I had put into my netball and it was exciting to see that hard work pay off,” she told The Profile.
The camp “definitely met” Isabella’s expectations because she said it offered her the chance to “challenge myself, build my confidence” and learn new things.
One of the biggest challenges was “performing under pressure” alongside so many talented players. Although it was difficult at times, the young athlete said she tried to stay focussed and “trust my abilities”.
One thing was certain: “my love for the game has continued to grow”.
Isabella began her netball journey at the age of 10 and said she enjoyed being able to learn and improve her skills ever since.
She started off in centre position but switched to shooter in 2025 due to getting appendicitis.
“It was supposed to be a temporary position while I recovered from the surgery but I ended up loving and having a passion for the position.”
Isabella’s netball experience was supported by others in her circle. “My mother is a big advocate for me for she has been encouraging me and taking me to the places I need to be to have achieved this far.”
Someone she looked up to was her teacher, Michelle Tupper, who was a “big encouragement for me” in netball, she said.
“[She] has supported me and motivated me to keep going. She was one of the players for [the Waikato Bay of Plenty] Magic in 2000 and 2001 and she is my inspiration.” Isabella also valued time with her team.
“Being on the court with my team mates gives me a feeling of excitement, happiness and belonging,” she said.
“I love the energy we bring, being able to trust each other and working together towards the same goal.”
The promising player’s positivity and clear mindset was a strength. “I think it’s important to aim for the stars because you never know what you can achieve unless you’re willing to challenge yourself.”
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
