The teen was recently named a reserve for the Australian Merit Team after an outstanding performance at the School Sport Australia national 15-and-under netball carnival.

Sexton, who plays BFNL for Sandhurst, helped her Victorian team to the silver medal at the tournament with countless intercepts and tight checking in her role as goal defence.

But she was surprised and honoured to be recognised personally because she had no idea an Australian team was selected at the annual event.

The 12-member schoolgirls squad is scheduled to tour New Zealand next year, but Sexton will only join them if one of them is unavailable.

She said while it was disappointing to lose the gold medal play-off to New South Wales at nationals in Melbourne, she enjoyed the experience immensely.

“It was great to spend time with the team, get to know everyone and make new friends,” she said.

“And I noticed an improvement in every aspect of my game.

“My talking improved a lot. I am usually pretty quiet on court but everyone on the team became louder as the week progressed.”

Sexton’s Vic team-mates included fellow Catholic College Bendigo student Meg Williams, who injured her ankle and had limited court time.

She recovered well and the pair were back in action for CCB at Netball's Victoria Schools Championship on Wednesday, their year nine team winning through to the state final.

They have also both been selected in the North Central Region 15-and-under squad to contest the state titles in October.