She is one of the tallest netball players in the country, but there seem to be no end to the heights Elmeré van den Berg can achieve on the netball court.

The 1,91m beanpole who hails from Bloemfontein, matriculated from Jim Fouché High School before joining the North-West University (NWU) where she is currently enrolled in a sports coaching and human movement sciences course.

She quickly made waves on the netball court – catching the eyes of national selectors – and greater accolades soon followed.

The 22-year-old, who plays the positions of goal attack and shooter, was recently announced as part of the Proteas’ preliminary squad of 15 that will take part in the Netball World Cup from 28 July to 6 August in Cape Town.

“It is a huge honour and privilege to be a part of the squad, and to be able to represent your country on your home soil,” says Elmeré.

Ten teams will take part in the tournament, which is being held on the African continent for the first time. Australia with 11 titles and New Zeeland with five gold medals are the undisputed queens of the competition.

“I am confident that we can win the tournament, and we are going to leave everything on the court trying to achieve it.” 

South Africa’s first game will be against Wales.

Elmeré van den Berg in action.