Cathedral College Wangaratta

CELEBRATING AFLW DRAFTEES

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

Cathedral College Wangaratta is celebrating the recent success of two members of the College’s STRIVE Athlete Development Program, following their success in the AFLW draft.

Current Year Twelve student Keeley Skepper was drafted to Carlton Football Club (pick number 17) and Cassie Mailer (Alumnus 2021) was drafted to North Melbourne at pick number 54 in the 2022 AFLW draft. Both students were a part of the STRIVE Athlete Development Program which has been operating since 2020 and aims to assist talented student-athletes to achieve at the highest levels of performance in their various sports and assist them with their education and vocational development. STRIVE Coordinator Dale Carmody said although the program was still in its early years, the success of the girls indicated that the program was working in supporting aspiring young athletes to reach their goals. “Both Keeley and Cassie were determined and showed a high level of commitment to reach the highest level of their chosen sport,” Mr Carmody said. “The three pillars of the STRIVE Program; strength and conditioning, nutrition and well-being and skill development and craft definitely helped the girls achieve their dream of playing AFL football at an elite level. We are delighted with their achievements and will watch them play with pride and interest.” Principal Nick Jones said that both students had shown incredible dedication while also balancing completing Year Twelve.

“Both girls were able to juggle a range of commitments, regularly playing all over the state and in Melbourne. We wish them all the best for their future and are beyond proud that they are not only talented footballers but fine young people.”

Both girls have started training in Melbourne with their respective clubs. Keeley said she was looking forward to playing in the navy blue. “It is a dream come true. I keep pinching myself. I love football and cannot wait to start my AFLW career,” she said.