There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything •
Meet Karla Pretorius.
Player of the Tournament at the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup. The first South African to feature in the Australian Super Netball league. Named one of the Mail & Guardian’s TOP 200 Young South Africans. Vice-captain of the SPAR Proteas. Dietician.
Currently playing for Sunshine Coast Lightning, Karla is a Protea and Kovsie Netball LEGEND.
We’re very proud to introduce to you one of the most hard-working, determined, down-to-earth, kick butt Bloem girls we know – Karla Preroius.
Name:
Karla
Surname:
Pretorius
Age:
30
Profession/Life’s work:
Professional athlete, coach and community worker.
Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to •
So, what’s your story?
Where were you born?
East London.
Where did you go to school?
Highschool Zwartkop, Pretoria.
Where and what did you study?
UFS, Dietetics.
What was your childhood dream?
Becoming a professional athlete.
What was your first job?
I was a waiter, but my first official “REAL” job was a Dietician.
Advice that shaped you career?
Nothing beats hard work.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
“Life”
What motivates you?
Success.
How do you spend your down time?
Road tripping (visiting small towns) and spending time with friends and family.
What does success look like to you?
To ENJOY what you do.
What sets you apart as an influential sportswoman?
Self discipline, optimism and appreciation.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt in your career thus far?
Be adaptable and understand that real and tough sacrifices will be required to achieve success.
What makes a great netball player?
Excellent work ethic and very good Netball skills (a great aerobic tank, agility and great communication skills).
Give me 3 words that describes you best?
- Kind
- Spontaneous
- Balance
What are your biggest accomplishments in your career thus far?
- Winning Player of the Tournament at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool
- Being the first South African playing in the Australian Netball League.
I wish I could tell my 22-year-old self:
You are doing great!
What other sportsmen and women do you look up to?
There are so many! I look up to any inspirational story.
What is one characteristic that you believe every great sportsman or woman should possess?
Determination (that goes hand-in-hand with hard work!)
What advice would you give someone starting their career in sport?
Truly enjoying your career in sport is the MOST important thing.
What role does Social Media play in your career?
It’s a very important and handy tool to create more awareness about woman in sport (especially our sport – Netball)
Favourites:
Colour: Green
Food: Pizza
Drink: Coffee
Band: Die Heuwels Fantasties | Spoegwolf
Singer: Karen Zoid | Florence Welsh
Brand: Mizuno
Happy place: With my husband
Car: Toyota
If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? Me again
Quote: Anything is possible for those who believe.
Book or Magazine: Emily Hobhouse “Geliefdeverraaier”
Credits:
Concept:
- The Netball Legend by Jeani Meyer and FJ & Sumarie Potgieter for Hello Smart Blog
Styling:
- Karla Pretorius for Hello Smart Blog
Outfit of the day:
- Karla is wearing the white adult tee by I LOVE BFN
- Karla is wearing the off-white/caramel FOM Tekkie
Photography:
- FJ Potgieter for THINK Digital
Location:
- Oranje Meisieskool, Bloemfontein
