When did you start playing netball?

[Jean] I started playing netball at primary school (10 years old). I continued playing throughout my schooling years and eventually was selected to be in the age group teams where I started my national team career.

Why did you choose netball over other sports?

[Jean] It wasn’t a hard choice. My primary school only offered netball along with track and field. Throughout my schooling years, I played netball as well as being part of the track and field team (my pet events were javelin and triple jump). What really drew me to netball was that it was a team sport and that it allowed me to put to use all the athletism and “brain power” that the sport requires. I enjoyed pushing my body to the limit in the company of the rest of my team mates (and friends).

What is the best thing about playing netball?
[Jean] It has to be the people. From my awesome team mates to the coaches, officials, netball community and Netball Singapore. My team mates are my best friends – we have shared so much together, the experiences, joy and tears. The officials have supported the team so well in helping us be the best that we can be.

What is the worst thing about playing netball?

[Jean] The injuries… I can count 2 major ones for me and numerous other minors ones. 

How many caps do you have?

[Jean] 98 to date

What do you remember about your 1st cap?

[Jean] Not very much actually! I don’t remember the opponent… but I certainly remember the anxiety and anticipation. A mixture of being afraid of “screwing-up” and wanting to prove myself.

[Netball Singapore] Jean's obtained her 1st cap during the World Netball Championships in 1999! 

What has been your biggest achievement in the sport?

[Jean] as a team… winning Asian Champs in 2006. Individually… just being able to play at the elite level for the last 13 years. It’s more challenging for us (In Singapore) because most of us either work or study and play netball on top of all of that. There are a lot of sacrifices required and the ability to push on through all of that for so many years is a personal triumph.

I also hope that my play inspires other young netballers to aspire to play for the national team.

How would you encourage people to get into the sport?

[Jean] depending on what they are looking for… I think netball is able to provide. The social company, the hard workout, the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of doing your best.

What motivates you to keep playing?

[Jean] I really enjoy pushing my body… love the discipline and the thrill of competition. Also knowing that I can still be the best I can be at every tournament pushes me. And of course, I love playing with my team mates.

If you had a Twitter account - how would you describe yourself on your profile?

[Jean] well… it would be… just a series of descriptors. Spontaneous, friendly, always entertaining, constantly on a lookout for the new and interesting, serious netballer, total shopaholic, enjoys a good conversation over a cup of really good coffee.