What if I told you that one of the most dominant athletes in this year’s Super Netball season almost ended up playing for the opposing team in the grand final? It’s a story that’s as fascinating as it is unexpected, and it centers around Elmeré van der Berg, the South African shooter who’s been lighting up the league. But here’s the twist: her journey to the Adelaide Thunderbirds wasn’t just a straightforward rise to stardom—it was a tale of doubt, reinvention, and a surprising detour that almost saw her in a Melbourne Vixens jersey.
The Road Less Traveled
Elmeré van der Berg’s story is one of those rare narratives that challenges our assumptions about success. After a standout performance at the 2023 Netball World Cup, she was offered a spot with the Melbourne Vixens, a team many would consider a dream destination. But here’s where it gets interesting: she said no. Personally, I think this decision speaks volumes about the pressures athletes face, especially when they’re expected to perform at the highest level while dealing with injuries and mental fatigue. Van der Berg was recovering from ankle surgery, and the idea of diving into the intense world of Super Netball felt overwhelming. What many people don’t realize is that the perception of professional netball as an all-consuming, zero-free-time endeavor can be a major deterrent, even for top talent.
Instead, she chose the UK Super League, a part-time setup that allowed her to heal and rediscover her love for the game. This move, in my opinion, was a masterclass in self-awareness. It’s easy to chase the biggest opportunity, but sometimes stepping back is the key to moving forward. Her dominance in the UK—567 goals at 92% accuracy—wasn’t just a rebound; it was a statement. It raises a deeper question: how often do we underestimate the value of taking a break to reassess and rebuild?
The Thunderbirds’ Unlikely Hero
What makes Van der Berg’s story particularly fascinating is how she ended up at the Thunderbirds. It wasn’t just about finding a team; it was about finding the right team. Her conversations with coach Tania Obst and the casual meeting with the squad felt like a turning point. From my perspective, this highlights the importance of fit—not just in terms of skill, but in culture and mindset. The Thunderbirds offered her a supportive environment, and her success this season (708 goals at 90% accuracy) is a testament to that.
But let’s not overlook the personal side of this. Van der Berg’s desire to prove people wrong—especially those who doubted her ability to handle Super Netball defenders—is a driving force. Her ‘resting bitch face,’ as she calls it, has been misinterpreted as a sign of weakness, but what this really suggests is that focus and intensity are often mistaken for vulnerability. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a common trope in sports: the athlete who looks unflappable is often written off, only to prove everyone wrong.
The Broader Implications
Van der Berg’s journey isn’t just about her; it’s about the broader trends in netball. Her experience in South Africa, where the focus on being ‘lean’ and avoiding strength training hindered her performance, is eye-opening. In Super Netball, she’s learned to fuel her body and build strength, which has transformed her game. This raises a deeper question: how many athletes are held back by outdated cultural norms? Her success is a call to action for netball programs worldwide to prioritize holistic development over superficial standards.
Another detail that I find especially interesting is her partnership with Kate Heffernan, the New Zealand midcourter. Their unlikely friendship—from silent car rides to becoming roommates and earning the nickname ‘the Van der Beg twins’—adds a human touch to the story. It reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, and sometimes the most meaningful victories are the relationships we build along the way.
Looking Ahead
As Van der Berg prepares for the grand final against the Melbourne Vixens—the team she almost joined—it’s hard not to see this as a full-circle moment. Personally, I think this matchup is more than just a game; it’s a symbol of the choices we make and the paths we don’t take. What if she had signed with the Vixens? Would she have thrived? Or would she have been just another player in a high-pressure system?
In my opinion, her story is a reminder that success isn’t linear. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often requires detours. Whether she lifts the trophy on Saturday night or not, Elmeré van der Berg has already proven something far more important: that sometimes, the road less traveled is the one that leads you home.
