Georgia Leppan: A rising star with big dreams
From the moment she first picked up a netball at age 10, Georgia Leppan’s journey has been one marked by passion, perseverance, and promise.
What had begun as a fun way to spend time with friends and burn youthful energy soon grew into a love affair with the sport, one that continues to shape her dreams and drive her forward.
“I think I always loved the sport,” she says, “but I truly fell in love with it when I experienced the cheer of spectators, the close games, and all the emotions that come with being part of a team.”
That feeling, the electric energy of competition and connection, became the heartbeat of Georgia’s netball story.
Watching the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool truly lit a fire within her. Witnessing Bongi Msomi’s 100th test and seeing the passion and dedication of world-class players like Karla Pretorius, Laura Geitz, and Karin Burger gave her a clear vision of the athlete she aspired to become.
“They kept my mind racing, wondering how they got those intercepts — and how I could achieve the same,” she adds.
Over the years, Georgia has proven her versatility on court, seamlessly switching between Goal Defence (GD) and Goal Attack (GA) — a rare combination that speaks to her adaptability and game intelligence.
“I love that my coaches trust me to play in either position,” she says. “That trust gives me confidence. If I have to be totally honest, though, I absolutely love playing Goal Defence; the intercepts and deflections make all the hard work worthwhile. Hearing the crowd cheer for a big defensive moment is one of the best feelings in the world.”
One of her most unforgettable moments came this year when she represented Randpark High’s first team in a nail-biting clash against Garsfontein. The game went into extra time, and Randpark clinched victory by just one goal, earning their place at the SA Schools Nationals for the very first time.
“It was magical,” Georgia recalls. “To be part of that history and to share it with my teammates was heartwarming and surreal.”
Looking ahead, Georgia’s ambitions are sky-high. In the next five years, she envisions herself in Australia or England, training with, or even playing for, one of the elite clubs abroad.
“They’re performing at such high levels, and that’s something I want to be part of,” she says with quiet determination.
For younger players dreaming of following in her footsteps, Georgia’s message is one of resilience and belief:
“Stay committed through the hard times; those moments will shape who you become. Always look to improve and perfect your skill. Leave the bib in a better position than when you found it. The pain you feel now will be nothing compared to the joy and success waiting for you. And remember, you’re part of a team, so you’re never going through anything alone.”
With her unwavering passion, humble confidence, and hunger to grow, Georgia Leppan is destined to become one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents, a name to remember for the future of netball.
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