Caris said she was surprised by the selection that has capped off a topsy-turvy year for the young star.

"I was pretty shocked. We all train at the Victorian Institute of Sports, so we knew some people were going to get picked and some people weren't," she said.

"To receive the email was pretty exciting, I wasn't sure what was going to happen, given the year and the lack of netball being played.

"It was a bit up in the air and everyone was a bit nervous, but it's very exciting to be named amongst those girls.

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Students at the Victorian Institute of Sport were allowed to train throughout the pandemic, a fact which Caris said she is grateful for.

"We've been fortunate enough that because we're with the VIS, we're still allowed to train," she said.

"We've been training throughout the whole year, doing court work sessions, gym, strength and conditioning.

"We've been really fortunate this year."

Caris said the pandemic had also changed her perspective due to the lack of sport being played.

"The nationals competition in Tasmania was cancelled, the Australian Netball Championships with the Vic Fury have been cancelled as well," Caris said.

The Australian Netball Championships were due to be played in Latrobe City, an area of the state which was put into lockdown on September 28.

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Caris said it was often difficult to have a full load of training without any real game time.

"It's been a bit hard to do all this training with no gain at the end," she said.

"It's put into perspective the importance of training and being prepared, having great teammates around you to lean on for support.

"The coaching staff have also been really helpful in getting is through it.

Part of that perspective change is a greater appreciation for the time spent training and preparing for games.

During a difficult year, training has helped Caris unwind.

"It's nice, it's a bit of a way to escape and get away from everything that's happening," she said.

"Seeing people is a plus; you form really good connections with people, great friendships.

"Also seeing the improvement in ourselves while we aren't playing games.

"It's the little things that count; the little one-percenters that are going to help you in the long run."

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