Natalia Frias-Staheli had given up hope of playing cestoball, a team sport popular in her native Argentina.
A Westport resident since 2018, she knew the odds of finding a team — or even a game — were small.
But something different happened. She found a sport — and a team and community — that rivaled her beloved cestoball, right here in Westport.
It’s called netball.
Girls growing up in the UK, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other Commonwealth (or former Commonwealth) countries know netball well.
Most other people on the planet have never heard of it.
Netball is a bit like basketball. Key differences include:
• 7 players on each team
• The hoop has no backboard
• The court is zoned, and players’ jerseys show where they can play.
Most importantly, dribbling is not allowed. Netball is a catch-and-pass game — at high speed.
Netball action.
Netball arrived in Westport (not a Commonwealth community) through Suzanne Slade.
A lifelong player, the England native has lived here since 2019. She played in New Haven, but the club closed during COVID.
In early 2023, Suzanne and a few avid teammates revived it. Connecticut Netball now represents the state.
One netball team photo …
“I couldn’t not play, and I knew there were people out there who are just as passionate as me,” she says.
“The beauty of the game, and the club, attracts people like Natalia who are totally new to the sport. They’re now addicted.
“Beyond competitiveness and fitness, we focus on building connections, fostering friendships, and having fun,” says Natalia, the former cestoball player. “I love it.”
… and another.
The local connection is especially strong for Suzanne and Natalia: Connecticut Netball trains at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
The women come from 10 nations, on 5 continents. Their ages range from 20 to 60.
Connecticut Netball has traveled to New York, Washington, Montreal and the US Open Netball Championships for games and tournaments, including against international clubs.
Suzanne’s passion and advocacy — including in underserved communities — were recognized with a presentation at 2024 US Open in Phoenix.
Suzanne Slade, with her Advocate of the Year award.
She is visiting Fairfield County middle schools this spring, to introduce the game to physical education teachers. This summer, she’ll launch a youth program.
Training is free for Westport Y members. The club keeps costs down, to minimize financial hurdles for players. .
“It’s really important to the club that anyone who wants to play, can,” says Suzanne.
“This is about building a community around the joy of playing a sport.”
Game on!
(To learn more about netball — including “New to Netball Nights” — click on the Facebook page; follow on Instagram: @connecticut_netball, or email connecticutnetball@gmail.com. For updates on youth netball, click here.
(Hat tip: Siobhan Crise)
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