'But I think being a 17-year-old and being put in such high pressure situations was definitely daunting at times and could have been scary, but I think the support I had around me made it that I was really able to be comfortable in those situations and I think that that's helped me in my career moving forwards.'

So the family that we created there was super supportive. Sometimes at the airport I'd have Erin Bell helping with my PE homework, Nat helping with nutrition, Renee Ingles doing something else for me. But I was really lucky that I had so much support, from school and then on the flipside when I was with the Thunderbirds. 'It was definitely not easy, and parts of it were all kinds of crazy at times, some of the things were overwhelming, I'm sure my parents would say there were nights when I came home and it was all too much school work and the netball side of things. Maddy Proud of the Swifts and Gabi Simpson of the Firebirds challenge for the ball. 'It was a really pivotal year, but also one of the most fun in my career and life. 'There's so many things I learnt and I'm so grateful for my time in Adelaide, it's where I got my first opportunity and I learnt so much about myself,' Proud told ESPN from her hotel in Melbourne where the Swifts are currently undergoing isolation. The days were hard and long, and at times overwhelming, but support from world class teammates, her school and her family put her on the path to an impressive career. She jokingly compares herself to fictional Disney character Hannah Montana, a teenager living a double life as a normal high schooler as well as a professional singer.

Her weekdays were spent at school and training, while her weekends would be spent travelling the country or across the Tasman to represent the Thunderbirds. It was a steep learning curve for the teenager. Making her debut for the Thunderbirds while completing her year 12 SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education), Proud was forced to grow up quickly as she balanced study, a professional netball career and a burgeoning social life. It's been a journey full of ups and downs, including a season-ending knee injury and a premiership, but it's a career 'rebirth' she credits for her continuing growth. Ten years later, she stepped out for her 100th professional match as the leader for the NSW Swifts. At 17-years-old, Maddy Proud took to the court in her first top flight netball match for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Rebirth by Steven Long Mitchell