As study co-ordinator and careers adviser at Emmaus College, Kemps Creek, Joanne Morgan is taking a ``hands-on'' role in the sport which gave her the opportunity of a lifetime.

The health and physical education teacher said it was great to return to her old stamping ground to uncover netball talent.

Ms Morgan heads the college's netball program as well as the one run by the South West Sydney Academy of Sport.

Emmaus College student Tayla Kay, 14, is a member of the academy's program.

``Kayla is a goal shooter or goal attack player like I was,'' Ms Morgan said. ``She is a promising player who is doing well.''

Ms Morgan enjoyed a lengthy career which included 16 caps for Australia, countless matches for NSW and stints with the Sydney Sandpipers and Queensland Firebirds in the now defunct Commonwealth Bank Trophy national competition.

She said academy squad players ranged in age from 15 to 18.

``This is my first year coaching the squad and I am enjoying it,'' she said.

``What I like about coaching is passing on the skills to the players.

``It's rewarding to see a young player learn and develop.''

Tayla said having Ms Morgan as a coach had been beneficial to her.

``Joanne has taught me a lot about netball,'' she said.