Kiarrah Simons On St George’s Progress
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Kiarrah Simons believes St George’s are making steady progress after delivering a series of promising performances in the Bermuda Netball Association Winter League.
Simons, who has been with St George’s since they formed a new team three years ago, previously played for Dockies.
She has witnessed firsthand the team’s development and is confident they are closing the gap on more established sides.
“We started with a bunch of girls who hadn’t played much since high school,” Simons told Bernews. “We’ve come a long way!
“We were up against teams with a real chemistry, having grown up playing together since middle or high school. That translates to the court.
“We’ve grown our chemistry, improved our skills, and added new players from other teams.
“We didn’t get any wins in our first season, but now we get a few wins each season. It’s encouraging.”
The 29-year-old had not played netball since her high school days at Warwick Academy when a colleague invited her to a Dockies training session four years ago.
Looking for a way to stay active and expand her social circle outside of work, she decided to give it a try.
“I enjoyed my season with Dockies,” she said. “I’d never previously played in a league for a sports team.
“Throughout my childhood, I’d been fit and active; I’d danced – tap, modern and jazz – for about 15 years.
“That’s why I enjoy netball – it’s such a different experience from when I was growing up doing dance. I enjoy being part of a team.”
Simons, who plays as a centre, believes the Winter League continues to grow in strength and hopes more girls and women will be inspired to take up the sport.
“Most of the teams are full of people like me who came back to Bermuda from university and were looking for something to do after work,” said Simons, who works for Orbis Investment Management Limited.
“I enjoy training midweek and having a touch point with people who aren’t colleagues.
“Hamilton [the Hot Peppers] entered a team this season. They’re in the same place as St George’s were a few years ago.
“It’s encouraging to see new teams and players entering the league.
“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t played for a while to join a team. It keeps you fit and is a fun thing to do outside of work.”
- This is the seventh in a series of articles in which Bernews is highlighting the island’s netball players.
