Hot job for Hottes

By Tania Martin
MOUNT Evelyn netball star Jade Hottes is getting ready to take up her dream job.
The 26-year-old coach and player has been selected to head the western region as part of the New South Wales netball league.
She will help develop the league, including liaising with players as well as officials, and hopes to be able to lift its playing standards.
Hottes is no stranger to championing the game: she has been instrumental in the success of the Mount Evelyn Football Netball Club and has led the netball side of the club to back-to-back premierships.
Hottes first fell in love with the game at the age of 10.
The Yarra Junction native first started playing in the Yarra Valley but soon moved down the line to the Lilydale league before playing for the Victorian state team.
She will play her last state game on Wednesday before making the big move to NSW.
Hottes moved to Mount Evelyn more than five years ago and soon joined the netball club. She has been coaching and playing there for more than four years.
Her biggest highlight, she said, was winning the 2008 premiership against Woori Yallock.
“We had never beaten them before and to do it in the grand final was awesome … it’s a feeling you just can’t describe,” she said.
Hottes is excited yet apprehensive about her big move.
She was surprised by a presentation at the Professionals Cup clash between Wandin and Mount Evelyn in Mount Evelyn on Sunday.
Sports Minister and Monbulk MP James Merlino presented her with a plaque to acknowledge all the hard work she had done for the club.
“It’s a bit sad I am leaving but at the same time I feel this is an opportunity that doesn’t come alone often,” she said.
“For me it right for this time in my life … it’s a bit scary not knowing anyone in NSW but it’s a big challenge.”
But she has had plenty of practice in the job: She has spent the past few years helping to develop not only Mount Evelyn but other clubs in the region.
“We are one of the newest leagues and we have a big way to go to catch up to other competitions … I have been working with other clubs in the league this year helping them to improve and develop,” she said.
“This is a dream job … I love netball and love developing the game, I feel really lucky.”