A Colchester student has spoken of her joy after representing England in an overseas basketball tournament.
DeAnna Carrington starred for England girls Under-15s in last month’s Alaior City Basketball Tournament in Spain and is now preparing to again join up with the national side for games in Serbia later this month.
Reflecting on her achievements, she said: “It was a massive honour to play for England and I couldn’t believe it when I got selected. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to play for them again.”
The St Helena School student, who also stars for Ipswich Basketball Club, spoke of her surprise, but delight, after spending her Easter holidays on an England trial and then boarding a plane for the prestigious tournament.
She explained: “I got an email just before the holidays asking me to go to Manchester for a three-day trial.
“There was obvious some really talented players and it was great to be among them. At the end of the third day, I was invited into a room and didn’t really know what to expect.
“The standard was very high but I was delighted when they said they wanted me to go to Menorca for the tournament.
Mum Davinia said: “We are all incredibly proud of DeAnna. She has put a lot of effort and commitment into her basketball and trains all the time.”
Tom Blaydes, PE teacher at St Helena School, said: “We are massively proud of everything DeAnna has achieved so far and we look forward to continuing to support her with both her academic and sporting achievements.”
