New stars WILL emerge in 2023. The question is WHO. So here are five names to keep a close eye on.
2023 is going to produce some incredible stories and unearth some eye-popping talent.
We’ll be here for it and we’ll be ready.
But we’re not just going to wait and see what happens, we want the Only Sports community to be ahead of the curve.
Here’s where the dust settled.
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And as women’s sport – across many codes – continues its upward trajectory, there are going to be some female athletes whose emergence we just should’ve seen coming.
Here are five names to keep on your radar; showing serious signs of a potential breakout in the new year.
Kimberly Birrell (tennis)
The Queensland native has been up the tennis rankings in recent years. But it’s her impressive comeback from injury that has garnered attention. In twelve months, Birrell has climbed 567 spots to earn herself a ranking of 167; the 24-year-old is currently the fifth-highest Australian female. If her determination seen in the past WTA season is anything to go by, then get ready to see Birrell climb into that top 100 in 2023.
Embed from Getty ImagesChloe Bibby (basketball)
The Perth Lynx riser continues to sizzle in just her first year with the team after returning from a successful stint in college basketball. Formerly with the Dandenong Rangers, Bibby has taken her game to another level since returning back to Australia. She’s currently among the league leaders for points averaged and has made her intentions of getting to the WNBA. Bibby will be one to watch as the competition heats up in the new year.
Sarah Hartwig (AFLW)
Arriving at the Western Bulldogs in 2020, Hartwig has established herself as a crucial part of the team. Polling 33 votes at the recent club best and fairest count, the young defender looks poised for a bright future at Whitten Oval. Since making her debut, the 20-year-old has seen a noticeable improvement in her stats during the past three seasons. We’re predicting that she’ll have an even bigger 2023 on the field.
Kalosipani Hopoate (NRLW)
Off the back of her six appearances, the Sydney Roosters prop has delighted fans with her performances on the field. A powerful ball runner, Hopoate has shown that she can handle the toughness of the NRLW. At just 18, the sister of former NRL star William has a tackle efficiency of 87 per cent. With numbers like this, the sky’s the limit for Hopoate with more time in the system.
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Nyah Allen (netball)
Could this be the next superstar of netball? The Magpie has put a strong case as to why 2023 is likely to be her year. Since moving to Collingwood, Allen has been making her mark in the league. Across her three years with the side so far, she has slotted a total of 63 goals and 23 super shots. Allen looks set to explode on the court in the new Super Netball season.
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