Cougars veteran mid-courter Kelly Assender played her 100th State League match earlier in the season, after a troubled career that consisted of 10 knee surgeries and two knee reconstructions.

It has taken the 29-year-old 14 seasons to achieve this milestone, but she is lucky to have achieved it at all. Against the advice of specialists when she was just 23, Assender continued her campaign in spite of her troubled knees.

 
The Cougars captain managed to play the entire 2008 season – a sign that she is taking care in ensuring her fitness is at its peak. It is clear that Assender has a never-say-die attitude and her drive to play the game could not be defeated.

The determination and hard work displayed by Assender is just one example of the leadership she exhibits, and any young netballer could take notes in the commitment and dedication required to be an elite player.