Christina Shaw in action

National selection for University Netball Scholar

1st Year Biological Sciences student, Christina Shaw, has been selected for the Wales Under 21 long squad in preparation for the Netball World Youth Cup in Gaborone, Botswana next July 2017.

Twenty players were selected after a competitive trial process and will now have to work hard in order to secure one of 12 places available in the final squad, to be announced at a later date.

The World Youth Cup is the first World Sporting Event to be hosted in Botswana and the first International Netball Federation competition to take place in Africa. 20 countries will be competing from 5 regions, over the course of 9 days.

On her selection, Christina said: “I'm so honoured to be selected for this squad and I feel it's a great opportunity for me to progress and play with the best players in Wales in my age group.”

“The hard work definitely starts now as this is my first chance to play on a world class stage which has been one of my ultimate goals.”

Christina is currently part of the University of Exeter High Performance Programme and Sports Scholarship Scheme, in which exceptionally talented student athletes are provided with a comprehensive package of support and financial benefits.

Regarding her scholarship, Christina said: “Having received a scholarship at Exeter, I've been provided with the support needed to be selected for the U21 long squad. The strength and conditioning sessions, coaching provision and high performance programme has been excellent and I feel this has allowed me get to where I am now.”

Charlotte Hale, High Performance Manager, said: “It’s brilliant to see Christina’s hard work being acknowledged with this national squad selection.”

“As the University’s 1st team captain in only her first year of study, she leads by example and acts as a fantastic role model for her teammates. We are excited to see how far her netball career can go.”

Christina’s next steps are to work hard in training to give herself the best chance of being selected for the final World Youth Cup squad. The University will continue to offer support over the coming months and wish her the best of luck in achieving her future sporting and academic goals.

More information on High Performance Sport at the University of Exeter, can be found online.

Date: 8 December 2016