The squad, which included seven Bathurst-based athletes, finished their season with a zoom call that featured a surprise guest in GWS Giants netballer Sam Poolman.

"The looks on the girls' faces when Sam joined our call was priceless," WRAS executive officer Candice Boggs said.

"It was a wonderful surprise and they gained some great insights from one of the game's best players right now who had a very similar start to her netball journey to the girls in our program. It really was a very positive end to a tough season for them all.

"We can't thank Sam enough for taking the time to meet with the 2020 netball squad members."

The virtual visit was made possible by WRAS netball program sponsor, Greater Bank, who also supports Poolman's ASPIRE Netball that provides elite training programs for aspiring netballers aged 14 to 17 years.

Poolman provided the young athletes with an insight into her representative netball journey, some inspirational words of advice on dealing with adversity and setbacks, as well as a glimpse inside the national netball league's COVID bubble as she and her Giants team-mates tackled the challenges of what was a very different 2020 season.

"It was such a disappointing season, particularly for those athletes in their final year in the program, but I wanted to impress upon them that while they may not have had the opportunity to achieve or learn as much on the court, the life lessons they learned off it were just as valuable," Poolman said.

"Resilience is something that we spoke about on the call. We've all had it tested this year like never before in facing the challenges around COVID, not just in regard to our sport but life.

"We have all faced adversity, unexpected challenges and disappointments, but it's how we respond is what's important. This is what will define all of us moving forward."

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Poolman said that she thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and speak with the academy athletes, including Bathurst's Taliyaha Chatfield, Hope Coombes, Bronte Cullen-Ward, Sarah Dickerson, Lilli Mooney, Mimi Taylor and Hannah-Lee Williams.

"I'm really passionate about working with young netballers and helping them with their development pathway," she said.

"It was really nice to meet and talk with these Western Region athletes and I hope they were able to take something away from our chat about my experiences in the game."

The 2020 WRAS program was difficult for athletes as COVID-19 restrictions changed the way the squad came together and resulted in the cancellation of tournaments.

Boggs paid tribute to all involved in the program, from the athletes to coaches and support staff, for the way in which they managed the challenges of a season like no other.

"When COVID restrictions were put in place we were forced to make major changes to the roll out of the programs. This was tough for the athletes, all of whom were really excited about the season ahead and then faced the prospect of the program being cancelled all together," she said.

"On top of that, they also faced other major adjustments in their life such as home schooling and self-isolating. It was an incredible amount for them to deal with.

"While we managed to make up for most of the training sessions that were cancelled due to COVID, it was incredibly disappointing to see the cancellation of the two tournaments they were scheduled to compete in.

"They're always a highlight for the athletes, providing an opportunity to compete and test themselves against the other regional academies.

"What our athletes have shown throughout the year though is great resilience and strength of character. It was tested like never before and I am exceptionally proud of how they have all come through these challenges."