As part of our spotlight on standout performers from the 2025 Telkom Netball League, we caught up with Jamie van Wyk from the Jaguars. The Division 1 Best Defender and team captain shares her reflections on the season, the lessons learned, and the values that drive her both on and off the court.
Birthday & Year: 31 October 2000
Height: 183cm
Positions: GD/WD
Favourite things to do at the moment: Spending quality time with my fiancé, family and friends
What’s on your playlist right now: That’s Who I Praise – Brandon Lake
Role model: Jesus
Quote or saying you live by: “Never let failure get to your heart and never let success get to your head.”
Q&A with Jamie van Wyk — Best Defender Division 1, TNL 2025
1. What does it mean to you to be named one of the best players of TNL 2025?
Being named one of the best players of TNL 2025 is an incredible honour and truly humbling. This league is filled with exceptional talent, and to be recognised among so many great players — many of whom I admire — is something I don’t take lightly. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have competed at this level and to represent my team with pride.
2. Which moment from this season stands out as your favourite or most memorable?
There were so many standout moments this season, both on and off the court, that it’s hard to choose just one. On court, some of our victories as a team were incredibly special. Off court, I was deeply touched seeing injured teammates show up to support us at training despite everything they were going through.
3. How did you stay motivated and consistent throughout the season?
What kept us grounded was the culture of the Jaguars. Sustaining the standard at training was about mindset, discipline, and doing the little things right every day. But above all, I was motivated by knowing we were playing for something far greater than ourselves — for God’s glory.
4. What has this season taught you — on and off the court?
Losses are just as important as wins. They expose where we need to improve, keep us from becoming complacent, and fuel the fire to come back stronger.
5. Who or what inspired your performance this year?
My faith in God was my biggest inspiration — He blessed me with this talent, and I want to honour Him through my work ethic and attitude. As captain, I also felt a responsibility to lead by example, on and off the court, and to create an environment where faith, hard work, and unity could thrive.
6. What advice would you give to young netballers hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Enjoy what you do — netball should excite you and fill you with purpose. Put in the extra work, stay disciplined, and never stop learning.
7. Challenging moments: What was the most challenging part of the season for you, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part was walking away with bronze when we aimed for gold. It was tough knowing how much we had invested, but I reminded myself that true character shows in how you respond to disappointment — I chose to keep showing up and keep smiling.
8. Team dynamics: How important was teamwork in your success this season?
Teamwork was everything. Even when we lost key players to injury, everyone stepped up and played their role — that resilience kept us competitive right to the end.
9. Looking back: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself at the start of the season, what would it be?
Focus on the 1 percenters — the small, consistent efforts that make a huge difference in the bigger picture.
10. What’s next for you — any goals or dreams you’re chasing post-TNL 2025?
I’m focused on continuing to grow and playing my best netball in the upcoming camps and tours ahead.
