Written by: Yusoff Kim
Edited by: Chen Kexin and Lydia Ong
Photos by: SMC Publicity
Though her freshie counterpart Rebecca played for 12 years she simply cannot hold a candle to the experience of this year’s featured senior, Yan The Sheep, with 14 years of domination at the highest level of netball.
Having been chosen to play both badminton and netball during a trial period in primary school, Yan Yan chose the latter as she was more interested in team sports. In her youth, she dominated at the Goal Defense position due to her height. But as others grew taller, her mindset and control of the game grew sharper, and she rotated into the Centre and wing defense positions. Never complaining, Yan constantly repeated that she would play whatever the team needed her to. This year, she has her sights on being a mentor to the new players whom she sees outstanding talent in, pointing out a few names such as Ke huan and Shannon from her zone.
Though she herself is quite the inspiration – coming back from an ACL tear one month before the Asian Youth Netball Championships, having been SMC head in year 2 and a plethora of other sports and committees, Yan has never been on a hill of her own, and instead mentions that she has many people she draws inspiration from. She looks up to her sister first and foremost, but also mentions that she looks up to her other family – the Eusoff Netball team, as she hopes to emulate their grit and focus during training.
“It’s quite cliché but a lot of people are exceptional in their own ways”
When asked why she hasn’t moved on from netball in her 14 years, she emphasizes the importance of teamwork in netball – where it is physically impossible for a single person to carry the team. It really takes a full effort from each and every player to win the game and you can’t just have one star. She also reinforces that what keeps her in the sport is the constant wholesome love she feels from all the teams she’s played with – which she feels netball constantly attracts. But we all know what actually attracts them, Yan.
If you’ve been trying to get an autograph from her for the past few years, fret not! Publications is here to help! We’ve realized that she can be easily bribed – especially with bread. ANY KIND OF BREAD BUT ESPECIALLY HOTDOG BUNS.
When asked about her past IHG experience, she recalls her first and only IHG so far, especially the match against Temasek Hall. Being at the back end of the season, Yan was burning out from her matches during both handball and basketball, but taking the court against our rivals, she recalls the intense cheering from the crowd – pushing her and allowing her to feed off of their energy. That kind of unique support only comes once a year in Yan’s eyes – during IHG.
“My goal for IHG? For it to happen!”
Though Yan is an accomplished netball player, she still turns to matches, especially in Australia and New Zealand for inspiration in her training, mentioning that True glory is standing back up after being knocked to her knees – much like how she was knocked to her knees during the 2017 Asian Youth Netball champs, throwing an inbound pass straight to her centre from the baseline, causing the ball to be turned over. Never being one to stay down for long, her team eventually came back to win the game despite it being a tight match.
“stay safe everybody! Know your body and know your limits” she chirps as the interview ends. Let’s show our support for YAN and the netball girls at this year’s IHG when (if) it happens
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