Twenty names featured on Netball NSW's list when it announced its U19 state team squad. And on that list was that of Orange's Emerson.

"It felt really rewarding after all my hard work this year, travelling to Sydney twice a week or more to play premier league," she said.

"I felt my concern as to whether all the travel was worth it or not was lifted.

"Now I know I have to keep working over the break for a chance at team selection."

With 20 players being named, the job is far from over for Emerson.

Following three squad training sessions in 2021, final selections will be held on March 7 before a final team of 12 is announced.

"I'm going to try and do as much training as I can on my own in Orange," She said.

"In February, squads training and testing starts up again in Sydney so I need to physically and mentally prepare myself over holidays.

"Nationals isn't a guarantee for anyone in the squad at this point so I'm just taking it one step at a time to try and make the team of 12 first."

Emerson has already experienced her fair share of success on the court.

But she is making sure not to rest on her laurels.

"Everything in netball is step by step so I'm really thankful of all my previous selections and experiences in Life Studio Club, Orange Rep, Western Region Academy, NSW Emerging squads and Panthers Premier League," she added.

"Being selected in the U17s NSW team in 2019 was a whole new ball game.

"The NSW team is the elite level I want to be playing at, so to be one step closer to making the 2021 is an honour."

And Emerson won't be the only Orange girl looking to crack the state team either.

In the U17s age group, Ellie Mooney will be looking to make a name for herself as well after being picked in the 26-person squad.

Netball NSW U17 and U19 state teams are to play at the 2021 National Netball Championships in Hobart from July 4-11. Squad athletes that are not selected in the State Teams or the Metro and Regional Teams will be invited to be a part of the Emerging Talent Squad in 2021.

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