TuksNetball, from next week in Stellenbosch, will try and defend the Varsity Netball title they won in 2019. 

Danielle van Zyl is one of the players Tuks will undoubtedly rely on to impact during their games. She was, after all, part of the 2019 winning team. Her heroics led to her being selected for South Africa's under-21 team. 

Her talent is not restricted to only making crucial intercepts and scoring goals. She is a final year BA Psychology student. She aims to work as a Neuropsychologist in a few years. It is for her about making a difference in people's lives. That is why she also works as a volunteer at Lifeline in Pretoria. 

Strangely caring for others is one of the reasons why Van Zyl took modelling. It did not take long for her to be noticed. Last year, she placed second in the 9th Supermodel International Competition, which took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Earlier this year, she won a Miss Photogenic Competition. Van Zyl is also a finalist in the Miss Grand SA Competition.  

"Since I have taken up modelling, I got to better understand who I am as a person. It is as if I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. As a result, I also have greater confidence in my own abilities," Van Zyl said. 

"Public speaking is one of the things I have mastered. There is something to be said for inspiring people through one's words and ideas. 

"Beauty pageants are certainly not anymore only about having a beautiful face and body. Instead, it is expected of you to make a difference in your community. That is why I do what I do. 

"If I should win the Miss Grand SA pageant on Saturday, I will get to compete in the international competition. This year's campaign is to stop war and violence. Just think how much better the world would be if we have peace.

"I have recently listened to an inspiring talk in which the theme of fake it until you make it was adjusted to fake it until you become it. What I took from it is that nothing is impossible if you trust in your abilities." 

Van Zyl believes that her modelling experiences had helped her to become a better netball player. 

"Actually everything my studies, netball and modelling are interlinked. It does not matter how many hours you have put into preparing for an exam or competition. There will always be that sense of nervousness. The challenge is to channel the anxiety into positive energy." 

Van Zyl cannot wait for the Varsity Netball competition to get underway.

"At Tuks, we have got a winning culture. Every player is prepared to put their body on the line to ensure a victory. So in those crunch moments, it is reassuring to know someone will step up. To us, no game is ever lost or won until the final second."

The 8th Varsity Netball edition starts on Saturday, 21 August 2021. Tuks will face the North West University in Round 1.