Kalifa McCollin Interview

Making her international debut at the age of 17, Kalifa M c Collin is a player who isn’t short of experience. Having played for Celtic Dragons, Mavericks and her home nation of Trinidad and Tobago, every year of her playing career has gone from strength to strength. Taking some time out from her busy schedule to talk to the Gilbert Netball team, Kalifa told us more about her experiences, being a Gilbert Netball ambassador and the advice her father gave her which has helped to become the player she is today.

"My name is Kalifa McCollin and I play for the Benecos Mavericks and Team Trinidad and Tobago, I am also a Gilbert Netball ambassador."

What is your favourite netball moment?

"Playing in the World Cup in 2015 I believe, my debut was in Australia. Our first match was against Australia in Australia, so I think that was an amazing experience for a seventeen year old really."

What are your thoughts on the 2019 World Cup?

"I think it will be quite a shift from Australia to England. But I’m definitely looking forward to it, because netball has become very competitive, so it’s unpredictable. So this World Cup is going to be very, very exciting and I am looking forward to that."

What does an average training day look like for you?

"A Strength and Conditioning session from, six to seven. After that, I will probably do an on court session with my coach. Then I’ll probably rest. The next day, we have a full team session that goes day to day really."

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

"I’d probably say from my dad. He usually says “be the first one on the court and be the last one to leave”. Let’s say training starts at seven thirty, I will get there for seven. I’ll take some shots before the session has started, so I will be prepared. When the session has ended, I’m still there taking shots again. So I think that’s the most important, well the best advice that I have been given, throughout my netball career. I think, if you want to be the best, then you have to train harder than everybody else."

What does Gilbert mean to you?

"To me, Gilbert Netball is the worldwide premium netball brand and it’s an honour to represent that brand."

Which Gilbert Netball kit do you like the most?

"I would have to say the dresses, they are world class. I have been wearing those dresses since I was fourteen years old, representing my country. They fit my physique quite well and yeah, those are definitely my favourite products. My favourite dress would probably be the flared bottom dresses. They make me look super awesome when I jump."

Which three words summarise Gilbert for you?

"Passion, unity and creativity."