Netball
4 December, 2024
Knight looking forward to opportunity
Following her selection in the 2025 Netball Victoria Talent Academy, Zarli Knight looks forward to improving further. She thanked her coaches, Janelle Knight and Ebonie Salter, for helping her develop as a player.
Zarli Knight said she was surprised to be selected and is thrilled to have this exciting opportunity next year.
"I have to be honest that I was surprised to be selected because last year, when I tried out, I didn't make it," Knight said.
"Many girls tried out, and all of them are great netballers, and I was happy and surprised at the same time."
Zarli Knight shot 548 goals in the 17-and-under this season for Horsham and played 11 A-grade games in 2025. Not only does she want to improve and develop as a player, but also to cement a spot in the A-grade side.
"My coaches helped a lot with my mum coaching the 17-and-under and Ebonie coaching the A-grade," Knight said.
"They helped develop me as a player. Ebonie is very good at teaching me where to move and what to do in positions I was playing.
"She also helped provide advice and direction when I asked for help, as did my mum."
Knight said she wants to take the opportunity to improve her netball and is excited.
"I want to improve my netball and become better netballer than I am," Knight said.
"I would like to improve my accuracy and shooting, feeding the ball to the players, and just skills within the ring of playing the goalie position."
Not only does Knight play netball, but she is a good cricketer, too. She plays for the Horsham Tigers in the C-grade and mixed U16, but she also plays for Sandhurst in the Lisa Chesters Shield, a first-division women's competition in Bendigo.
Knight bats at number three and has played some solid innings, scoring 36 and retiring not out on 58. In the latter, she partnered with her coach, Maree Pearce, where they put on a 134-run partnership
"The Bendigo league has been good. They are welcoming people and are very kind," Knight said.
"Maree has helped me when I bat, as I usually bat with her. She helps me through my innings and helps me get to those totals when I bat.
"In the Horsham League, my dad [Martyn] is a coach. He has helped me improve my cricket, makes me go outside and practice when I can in the nets at home, and gives me skills and shots to work on.
"It's good to see girls play sports like cricket that aren't as popular in the female industry, and there are some real talented players, and every team has skilled players, so it's pretty challenging."