Hard work and dedication are key ingredients to a successful career in sport. That’s the advice from professional Trinidad and Tobago netballer Kalifa McCollin to Tobago’s young female athletes.

McCollin said her passion for her sport made a difference in her career.

“My journey as a professional athlete started in 2017 where I made my debut in the UK Netball Super League with Celtic Dragons… that said year I became the Most Valuable Player of the season, and I think that was a great accomplishment for me,” McCollin said.

She also reminded the youngsters that there is life after their playing careers.

“Let’s say for instance, God forbid, I get a serious injury, I’ll always have my education to fall back on,” McCollin said, “and I will still be able to be involved in sport, but not as a player.”

McCollin was in Tobago last week on the invitation from the Division of Sport and Youth Affairs. The visit is part of the Division’s initiative to educate and motivate aspiring athletes to become professional athletes.

She visited eight of the island’s secondary schools to give motivational talks to students, including Signal Hill Secondary, Scarborough Secondary, Speyside Secondary and Roxborough Secondary. She also conducted practical sessions along with the Tobago Netball League.