But some minor injuries helped Waitaki Girls High School head girl Tessa McCulloch (17) realise she could not rely on netball to provide a career.
Since then, she has excelled in class and become an inspiring leader in extra-curricular activities.
She has won school Academic Excellence awards for her high achievement in NCEA levels 1 and 2, and did particularly well in physical education last year which she passed with excellence.
Tessa credits her economics teacher and former Silver Fern netballer Angela Mitchell with inspiring her to pursue a career in commerce.
"She's been able to balance an academic career with a high-profile netball career. I hope to be as successful as her in my sporting and academic activities.
"I love school now."
While Tessa has an increased focus on school work, netball is never far from her thoughts.
She is captain of the Waitaki Girls High School senior A netball team (2006-08).
Last year she was a member of the North Otago U17 netball representative team, and this year is a member of the North Otago U19 netball representative team.
Playing for the Silver Ferns one day is still her dream.
But in the short-term, Tessa hopes to gain a netball scholarship which would enable her to study a Bachelor of Commerce and continue her involvement with the game.
Achievements: North Otago U17 and U19 netball representative; head girl, Board of Trustees pupil representative, Ministry of Youth Development South Island student representative (2008); basketball A team.
Role model: Former Otago Rebel and Silver Fern Angela Mitchell.
Hopes for the future: To study commerce.