Player of the match Kaylin Coetzer could not have wished for a better send-off to her Varsity Netball career in her final game against Varsity College in Johannesburg on Monday.
Although Mandela University missed the semifinals after going down to Kovsies on Sunday, the 24-year-old goal shooter signed off in style as her team cruised to a 64-35 victory over the tournament rookies.
In the end, the Madibaz fell four points short of the last semi slot, which went to Maties.
Despite the disappointment, the six-year veteran of the team said they had nothing to lose in the closing stages of the competition.
“We have been inspired by the idea of ‘pounding the stone’, knowing that every effort, sprint, pass and shot adds up to a bigger goal,” Coetzer, a third-year business management student, said.
“It was an emotional weekend as some of us, including myself, played our final varsity game in an atmosphere that was incredible, light and joyful.”
She described her stint with the Madibaz, which started back in 2020, as a “defining period in my life”.
“I spent my last weekend surrounded by the people around whom a big portion of my life has revolved,” she said.
“My teammates have become my sisters and I’ll always be grateful for the tight bond we forged.”
Being recognised as the most outstanding player on the court in the team’s final league match was the cherry on top.
“It was one of my goals this year,” Coetzer acknowledged. “It was my final game and I played with freedom while making the most of every moment.”
That mindset allowed the lanky 1.94m shooter to soar above her opponents as she converted chances and fought hard for possession.
Madibaz began their campaign sprightly with back-to-back wins over UP-Tuks and NWU. Although they experienced a mid-tournament drop-off in form, Coetzer believed the experience would benefit the squad in the long run.
“The team have grown a lot since this year’s USSAs.”
After each encounter the players acknowledged where they could improve which, according to her, made it a “constant learning process”.
As a senior, she found it inspiring to see her younger teammates grow emotionally and technically.
The intensity of Varsity Netball, she added, taught them lessons on and off the court.
“Playing in such a beautiful, competitive environment is a blessing. Even though the tournament can feel bumpy and tiring, it gives you skills that will benefit you far beyond sport.”
From a personal perspective, Coetzer stressed the importance of balance.
“Yes, netball has been a huge part of my life but I knew it wouldn’t always be there. I had to push myself in other areas to discover the talents God has given me and be open to change.
“I wanted to be a role model for the juniors, which meant recognising my weaknesses and finding ways to improve on those. It’s also about adapting to new teammates and changing situations.”
While this chapter has ended for the talented sportswomen, her future will no doubt be sculpted by her netball experiences.