Hillcrest’s netball captain finds confidence in the game

Hillcrest High School’s netball captain, Lola Klijnstra, gave her all during the St Dunstan’s Easter Sports Festival.

Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Klijnstra stood out for her skill and leadership, motivating her team through every pass and pivot on the court.

Her journey with netball began in Grade Three. A natural sports enthusiast, Klijnstra said it quickly became clear netball was where she belonged.

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“I fell in love with the sport; I enjoyed the different ways to play it. It is not a rigid game; it flows, and you can adapt your play and make it your own,” she shared.

Once a shy child, Klijnstra credits netball with helping her build confidence and find her voice. Over the years, the sport has played a pivotal role in shaping the confident young woman she is today.

“Change is different for everyone. Some people may have confidence from the start, others might take longer. For me, netball helped me become my own person. It taught me how to express myself,” she said.

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Though she played the game for years, Klijnstra remains committed to growth as a person and a player. She dreams of playing netball for as long as possible and is open to every opportunity to develop her skills further.

“Being a netball player is not only about what you do on the court,” she said. “It is about respect, humility, and discipline – that makes you a great player. Play your own game; do not attempt to rise or stoop to anyone else’s level.”

Klijnstra also reflected on her team’s performance at the festival. She admitted to being nervous, especially with the climate change, but said they found their rhythm after the first quarter.

“We played solidly. Once we settled in, we picked up and played well,” she said.

Coach Taylor Adlam praised Klijnstra for her dedication, leadership, and love for the sport.

“Lola is an amazing player and a natural leader. She brings the team together and encourages each player to be themselves. As much as she loves netball, she always reminds the girls to have fun and enjoy the game,” said Adlam.

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Reflecting on the tournament, Klijnstra said she felt honoured to be part of such a memorable experience.

“This tournament has been incredible. I am grateful for the opportunity to play and grow with my team,” she said.