ST GEORGE and Sutherland duo Kaitlyn Bryce and Maddie Hay are more than ready to lead Netball NSW's under-21s side at the 2015 under-21s National Championships on March 10-15 on the Sunshine Coast.
Bryce, 19, of St George Netball Association is captain and Sutherland netball's Hay, 19, is vice-captain.
With several natural leaders in the under-21s state team, head coach Megan Simpson said the team had full confidence in the pair.
"We took a holistic approach to our leadership appointment, with the athletes voting on who they'd like to lead them at nationals," Simpson said.
It is not the first time Bryce has been given leadership responsibilities, having previously captained the NSW under-17s team to national glory at the 2012 National Championships.
The skipper selection for Bryce follows a very successful 2014 season where she assisted St George Netball Association to its maiden Waratah Cup grand final win and was then named Dooleys state league player of the year.
While not having captained a side since her days of under-12s netball, Hay still brings a wealth of experience to her role, having played in the under-21s state side for the second time running.
When asked if she felt any increased pressure as captain, Bryce said "the only pressure you feel is what you put on yourself".
"Maddie [Hay] and I have played a lot of netball together back since we were 12 years of age, so it's great to be in this position with her," Bryce said.
Hay said she was surprised but very honoured to be named vice-captain.
"We've been training hard and we're a very determined team. I think we're all confident we can put ourselves in top contention."
