Howden celebrates 500th game in netball career with Katunga

By Deanne Jeffers

RACHAEL Howden recently made history by playing her 500th game of netball for the Katunga Football Netball Club. Rachael has been associated with the club since a young age, growing up in Katunga, and her parents are life members of the club. She started playing netball for Katunga at the age of eight, and her passion for the game, determination, and commitment has remained steadfast throughout her career.

Rachael took a break from playing netball for eight years, during which she raised her kids and focused on umpiring. Her dedication to the sport is evident not only on the court but also behind the scenes, where she works hard to ensure the smooth running of the club. Her contributions extend beyond her 500 games, including coaching, umpiring, and helping with club administration.

Rachael’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport and the club. Her achievements include winning four premierships, five league best and fairest awards, 11 club best and fairest awards, and 14 runners-up best and fairest awards. She has also coached various teams and achieved her A Grade umpiring badge in 2016.

On her milestone day, the club honoured Rachael by naming the scoreboard after her. She expressed her gratitude and humility for the warm reception and appreciation shown by the club members and supporters.

Rachael said she felt “overwhelmed and humbled,” on the day, adding, “I was blown away by all the messages and phones calls, and the people who had travelled to watch the game.”

“The club obviously means a great deal to me and it’s pretty special to have achieved this milestone with them.”