Jazmine Moore: Balancing Ambition and Academics in Netball
11th September 2024
Ahead of the U21 World Cup qualifiers, we caught up with Jazmine Moore in camp as the team prepares to secure their place in next year’s Netball Youth World Cup. A third-year medical student at Glasgow University and a key player for Scotland’s U21 team, Jazmine shares insights into her journey through netball, her recent accomplishments, and her aspirations for both herself and her team.
A Journey Through Netball
Jazmine’s involvement in netball began at school, inspired by her school’s success in local tournaments. Joining Paisley Juniors, she quickly advanced through the ranks. “I started in the District pathway quite early, around the age of 12. Being in that high-performance environment from such a young age really helped me to recognise my potential,” Jazmine explains. Her journey through the sport has been shaped by her early and ongoing engagement with competitive netball.
Celebrating a Major Achievement
One of Jazmine’s standout moments came when she was named Player of the Tournament at the Europe Netball Championships in October 2023. “That was definitely my proudest moment. It was the first big competition after the pandemic, and I wanted to perform my best for myself and the team,” she reflects. This achievement is a testament to her hard work and her ability to perform under pressure.
Role and Impact within the Team
On the court, Moore is known for her confidence and consistent performance. “I am a confidence player, so having a few good games before the Europe Netball Championships really helped me. I just focused on doing my job and playing my role because I knew I was likely going to play the entire tournament due to injuries within the squad,” she says. Her ability to maintain composure and focus during games is crucial to her team’s success.
Team Dynamics and Cohesion
As the team prepares for the challenging qualifiers – where they will face Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, UAE, and Isle of Man – Jazmine reflects on the importance of team dynamics and the bonds that have been forged among the players. “We are a really close-knit group, which helps tremendously. We’ve known each other for a few years now, and it’s all about integrating well and checking in with each other. Whether it’s through team-building activities or going for brunch, we focus on creating that positive environment,” Moore explains.
She further highlights how on-court accountability doesn’t detract from their off-court relationships: “It’s crucial to recognise that being held accountable during games doesn’t affect our relationships off the court. It’s about leaving everything on the court, you want to have those difficult conversations and challenge each other on court to prepare us for harder things to come in the future.”
This focus on strong interpersonal relationships and open communication within the team not only enhances their performance but also ensures that all members feel supported and valued. These efforts are instrumental in building a resilient team that can handle the pressures of international competition.
Balancing Netball with Medical Studies
Balancing a demanding academic schedule with elite sport is a formidable challenge. Jazmine approaches this with careful planning and discipline. “It’s about finding balance and being disciplined with my time. I have to communicate well with my coaches and prioritise effectively to manage both netball and my studies,” she notes.
Preparing for the Qualifiers
As the qualifiers draw near, Jazmine’s preparation is strategic and focused. “Last season was intense, so I took some rest over the summer. Coming back, it was all about finding my feet again, focusing on the basics, and playing into my strengths,” she states. The team’s collective goal is ambitious—to win or at least finish in the top two, and their preparation is tailored to meet these objectives.
The countdown to the U21 World Cup qualifiers is on, with the competition starting in just two weeks. As the Scotland U21 team finalises their preparations, excitement is building among fans and players alike. Moore and her teammates are set to showcase their skills on an international stage, aiming to secure their spot in next year’s Netball Youth World Cup.
All games will be live-streamed from Friday to Sunday. Make sure to check our website and follow our social media channels for real-time updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content throughout the tournament.
