Latest news with #Nelly
Newsroom
an hour ago
- Sport
- Newsroom
A Diamond recut: Mystics reignite Wallam's sparkle
Something clicked for Donnell Wallam this season with the Mystics – and it wasn't just the sound of her wrist breaking. It was as though she'd found her netball people. 'I've never felt so comfortable in a team before. I just relate to a lot of the girls so much more,' says the Australian Diamonds goal shoot, and proud Noongar woman, just days away from playing in the first elite netball grand final of her career. 'You know, the Aboriginal culture and the Māori culture are so similar. It's as simple as some of the language we use with each other, and I just felt at ease straight away. That's what I've enjoyed most.' Yet Wallam, unwanted in Australia's top league, admits she was 'initially scared' to join the Mystics, stepping into the giant shoes left by Grace Nweke. Then she'd barely got started before it all came crashing down – a fractured wrist in just the third round of the ANZ Premiership threatened to end her season. So when doctors gave her six weeks to recover, she told them she'd only need four – and slotted back into the Mystics shooting circle in round eight with little trace of discomfort. 'I think I've come over here, taken on the challenge and it's made me a better player. I've really developed my game here,' the 31-year-old says. On Sunday, Wallam will line up in the premiership grand final in a Mystics side who've been all the better for her presence. Assistant coach Rob Wright, also an Aussie, says the shooter known in the team as Nelly has been a joy to work with. 'There's something about Nelly. People really warm to her, she's really humble and understated, and then she backs it up on court,' he says. 'And she always wants to be better.' Mystics veteran Peta Toeava has been like 'a big sister' to newcomer Wallam this season. Photo: Northern Mystics Wallam's success on court here – shooting 275 goals at 88 percent, even after missing four games, and seamlessly falling into sync with magical Mystics feeder Peta Toeava – has attracted attention across the Tasman. The Mystics offered Wallam a lifeline after she failed to score a contract with a Suncorp Super Netball franchise this year – let go by the Queensland Firebirds after three seasons, who signed up Ugandan star Mary Cholhok (they finished at the bottom of the table with just two wins). Wallam made headlines in Australia last week when she was invited back to the Australian Diamonds' training camps. This time, though, it's essentially as a training partner – losing her place in the national squad she's been in since 2022. 'It's a bit of a different role this time as an invitee, but I'm still grateful to have that opportunity again,' Wallam says, taking it all in her long stride. 'It's always an honour. 'There may be an opportunity to be elevated, otherwise you're in and around the environment still learning and developing your game.' Regardless of the outcome in the grand final against Tactix, a home game for the Mystics at west Auckland's Trusts Arena, Wallam will return to Western Australia with more than she arrived here with. 'I've got so much more family now. The Mystics are my family away from home,' she says. Donnell Wallam unbalances Tactix keeper Jane Watson during the Mystics's 70-56 win in their last round match. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography Defending premiership champions for two years' running, the Mystics had their doubters at the start of the season. 'I don't think many people picked us to make the grand final,' Wright says. 'They may have picked us in the top three.' You can blame it on the Nweke Factor. Losing the prolific Silver Ferns goal shooter was seen as a blow the Mystics might struggle to come back from. When Wright and Mystics head coach Tia Winikerei heard Nweke was signing with the NSW Swifts, they started their search for a new shooter. 'It's not easy to replace a 55-plus goal shooter,' Wright says. 'There was a suggestion Nelly wasn't going to have a spot [in the SSN league], and we were thinking she would be a really good pick-up for us – in terms of how our midcourt operates and how we play our games.' Megan Anderson, a former Diamonds shooter who played her final season of elite netball for the Mystics, coached Wallam at the Firebirds and is now her manager. That connection helped the Mystics coaching team make their approach. 'We were fortunate Nelly was really keen to come to us,' Wright says. Wallam met two ANZ Premiership teams. 'Once I spoke to Tia, I was initially scared. Like a good scared, though,' she says. 'That was a main reason I chose Mystics – I knew I'd be challenged in a different way. 'It was playing different styles of netball over here, being able to adapt to the moment, and not being that one-dimensional tall, holding shooter. So I don't become too predictable.' But there was one thing that made her think twice about joining the defending champions: replacing Nweke. 'I didn't want to go to a team where I had to fill the void left by Grace, because she's an amazing athlete,' Wallam says. 'But Tia reassured me they weren't looking to replace her; they wanted me to be me, and play to my strengths.' Immediately, the Mystics coaches were impressed by Wallam's 'thirst to improve', Wright says. 'You can tell her something and she'll go, 'Yeah, I'll do that', and she puts it into effect pretty quickly. She's easy to coach.' Wallam swiftly found her place in the shooting circle alongside Filda Vui, now in her fifth season with the Mystics. Vui has had one of her best seasons in 2025, thriving on her new responsibility in the circle, and the introduction of the super shot. The 29-year-old has sunk 28 two-pointers (with 64 percent accuracy), and some were game clinchers. 'Filly has stepped into a more influential role, more dominant, than previously,' says Wright. 'It means the opposition's having to worry about two targets, and especially with the two-point shot. It just keeps them guessing even more.' Wallam and Filda Vui have worked hard to keep defenders guessing this season, especially in supershot zones. Photo: Northern Mystics Wallam's been struck by how cool, calm and collected Vui has been, especially when the game is on the line. 'Nothing fazes Filda out there,' Wallam says. 'It's so nice to have such a confident goal attack to play with, who I can swing the ball out to for the supershot, and it takes some of the pressure off me.' And then there's pairing up with Toeava – one of the shrewdest, smartest feeders in the game. For years, her miracle passes to Nweke stole the spotlight, but she's proven she's no one-trick pony, setting up Wallam under the post with just as much flair and precision. Toeava and Wallam have spent a lot of one-on-one time together, honing exactly when and where to deliver the ball. 'I've got to give huge credit to Rob and Tia and the way they've structured our training so we've had the opportunity to gel like we have,' Wallam says. 'It's given us the upper hand; we know each other so well on court. 'Sometimes, I want to sit back in the goal circle and watch Peta do her thing, but then I've got to have my eyes open ever single time she has a hand on the ball – I have to expect the ball from anywhere. 'She's such a workhorse. In trainings, she sets the standard. She's someone you want to play for, like having a big sister in the team. I've loved playing with her.' A pained Donnell Wallam after fracturing her wrist in the Mystics' third round clash with the Steel. Photo: Michael Bradley Photography Wallam continues to play with a brace on her wrist since her unlucky break against the Steel in her third ANZ Premiership game. As she fell out of court, diving to keep a rebounded ball in, Wallam had a sinking feeling she'd broken a bone. 'I went off, strapped it up and tried to catch a few balls, but couldn't do it without pain. I was trying to convince myself and everyone around me it wasn't broken, just a bit sore. But I'd felt that kind of pain when I broke my arm a few years ago.' Wallam was in England in 2021, when she suffered a break to that same arm in her second game for the Leeds Rhinos. She was sidelined for seven weeks yet was rated the Super League's most accurate shooter at 95 percent. The following year she became the first Indigenous player in the Diamonds in 22 years. This year, x-rays showed she a small fracture in her left wrist – one she was determined wouldn't end her season. 'When the doctor said six weeks, I said 'give me four',' she says. She impressed the Mystics team by still turning up to every training and working with young shooter Sophia Lafaiali'i, called up from the Northern Marvels NNL side to fill the Diamond's role. She stood on the sideline yelling encouragement at home games. 'I didn't really like watching because I was just too close! I was a bit down on myself for that injury,' Wallam says. 'But it also gave me confidence we have so much depth in our squad that we can go to our bench no matter what. She credits the Mystics' medical team, as well as the Australian Diamonds' doctor, for giving her the right advice and getting her back on court five weeks later. 'I was just so happy to run out on the boards with the girls again, and to wear the Mystics' heritage dress, which meant a lot to me,' says Wallam. In three weeks, Wallam will return home to her 'puppies' – two miniature dachshunds. And she'll prepare for a couple of camps with the Australian Diamonds squad in September – one of four invitees who are essentially training partners to the 18-player squad. Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich told Fox Netball that after Wallam's disrupted season, she was 'keen to see what she's evolved in her game, what she's learnt playing in a different environment,' and how she can regain her connection with the squad. The 1.93m shooter could be a real asset for the Diamonds in the Constellation Cup in October, having got the better of New Zealand defenders throughout the premiership. Wallam's Auckland flat will soon disband, with fellow Aussies and Stars players, Remi Kamo and Charlie Bell, heading home too. 'It's been really fun living with them, having some familiarity over here, and bouncing our thoughts off each other after trainings, games and stuff,' Wallam says. Now Netball NZ has changed the Silver Ferns' eligibility rules, and Nweke could play another season in Australia and still wear the black dress, it's uncertain whether Wallam will return for another season in Auckland – especially with the future of the premiership here still to be revealed. But she's certain about one thing: 'I've absolutely loved it here.' Mystics and Tactix square off in the ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland on Sunday at 4pm (the game will be live on Sky Sport). On the same day, Grace Nweke's Swifts will host the SSN preliminary final against the Vixens.
AsiaOne
13 hours ago
- AsiaOne
'My world came crashing down': Woman shares grief after losing boyfriend to substance abuse, mental health struggles, Singapore News
She will never forget Chinese New Year of 2024, when her world came crashing down. Her boyfriend, who had a history of substance addiction, died unexpectedly — leaving her to pick up the pieces and face the trauma of losing the love of her life. Speaking to AsiaOne, the 33-year-old, who wished to be known only as Nelly, reflected on how an ordinary meeting with him turned out to be the last. According to Nelly, her late boyfriend, Jeremiah (not his real name), 30, was under immense stress as he tried to recover from substance abuse while also struggling to find a job after several failed attempts. "I knew he was under a lot of stress trying to find a job while working through his recovery. I felt really overwhelmed at times, but I still tried to be there for him whenever I finished work," she said, sharing that she is still coming to terms with losing someone she loved in an instant due to substance abuse. "He was experiencing depression due to the pressures of finding a job and other challenges in his life. I was really worried he would return to using drugs as a way to cope with the emotional strain," she added. During that period, Jeremiah was staying with his grandmother, as his relationship with his parents had grown distant due to his substance abuse issues. "His relationship with his parents was tense, but they still kept in regular contact with him," Nelly added. 'Most heartbreaking and difficult experience' Recounting the fateful day, Nelly said it was the "most heartbreaking and difficult experience" she has ever gone through, and she still thinks about him often. "It happened on the last day of Chinese New Year in 2024, in the evening. I was at home when I received a distress call from him," she recalled. She went to meet him, thinking it would be just like the other calls she'd received from him in the past. "When I arrived, everything seemed alright before the situation escalated, eventually involving the police. I didn't expect him to act so rashly, and seeing him take his own life just broke my heart. "I hope he knows that his actions have deeply affected the people who loved him the most," said Nelly. After the incident, Nelly found it extremely difficult to inform Jeremiah's parents, unsure of how to break the devastating news. But after doing so, they were understanding towards her. "My world came crashing down the moment he left. There were many times when I wondered, 'What if I had done more to help him? Maybe none of this would have happened,'" she said. [[nid:653463]] Following the tragedy, Nelly attended several counselling sessions as she battled guilt and grief. She now hopes to use her story to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and its deep impact on individuals and their loved ones. "I want people who are in similar shoes as Jeremiah to know that they are not alone. There are people ready to support you, along with support centres and lifelines available when you need someone to talk to — even if you wish to remain anonymous," she said. "I'm sharing my story so that others in similar situations know it's never too late to seek help — and to encourage them to think twice before acting impulsively, because even one small action can deeply affect the people who care about you." 'No signs of despair' Also accompanying Jeremiah during his most difficult times was his counsellor, Whitney Mah. Mah told AsiaOne that when she first met Jeremiah, he was already struggling with addiction among other issues. "When Jeremiah first came to me for counselling, it was for his addiction and personal struggles. Leading up to the incident, he showed no signs of despair," said the 36-year-old, who has been a counsellor for over eight years. According to Mah, Jeremiah had been attending counselling sessions at WeCare for about two years before the incident. Mah shared that even a seemingly functioning adult can become addicted, and its effects are often not immediately apparent. "Individuals who are struggling with addiction can be functioning adults — going through school, working, and some even excelling at what they do — while engaging in addictive behaviours," said Mah. Mah also pointed out that, after the tragedy, Nelly approached her to seek grief counselling and help in dealing with the trauma. "Witnessing such an incident involving a loved one can be traumatic, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and confusion while they try to find acceptance," said Mah. In 2024, a total of 314 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore, with the highest increase recorded among adults aged 30 to 39. According to data from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's Registration of Births and Deaths Report 2024, published in July, suicide remained the leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 29 for the sixth consecutive year, The Straits Times reported. In 2024, The Samaritans of Singapore provided in-person counselling services and support groups to 1,112 individuals who struggled with suicide thoughts or attempts, as well as those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800 Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2000 Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928 [[nid:683485]]
CBS News
4 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Program in Lake Forest provides therapy through connection between horses and humans
Horses and humans and the gentle bond between them. For a program in north suburban Lake Forest, the motto is "best days happen here." Equestrian Connection provides therapy services to people ranging in age from 2 to over 100. There's great care to match people to the horses who are changing their lives. Nelly has been coming to equestrian connections for around five years. She said her favorite horse, Apple Annie, is much more than a pretty face. "Apple Annie is like my soulmate. She really loves being around me, and I love being around her," Nelly said. "She knows what people think, feel, what they're going through." Several studies show what Nelly knows; that horses can help their human buddies feel calm and confident. "That movement of the horse is very regulating to the nervous system," said Equestrian Connection director of mental health programs Colette Collins, a clinical psychologist. Equestrian Connection provides programs for clients with a wide gamut of issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, and more. "There is a growing body of research that shows that doing psychotherapy while your body is in movement, that the brain processes information differently," Collins said. With time, a horse and its rider are in synch, even in their breathing. Elle Eason rides horses and reads to them. Her mom, Lindsey, said Equestrian Connection is a safe space – a second home to Elle. Lindsey said the program has been lifechanging. "She's dyslexic. So we were having struggles with reading, and it kind of affected her confidence over time," she said. "Horses actually have this very calming and grounding presence, and that taught my daughter to take a step back, go slower, take a breath. And really, she began to believe in herself again." Equestrian Connection founder and executive director Diana Schnell said it began out of sheer determination 24 years ago. "I have a daughter, and four years later, we had twins. They're disabled," she said. "The doctors threw up their hands after three years of trying to get a diagnosis, and said 'Do everything you can.'" Another special needs mom told Schnell about the wonders of horse therapy. She knew what she had to do. "Called my husband, said, 'Can I quit my job and start this program?' and he said – probably later regretting it a few times, because it's been a tough road – 'sure,'" she said. "So we did. We opened it at a little barn down here. … Started with four horses and 15 kids." That little barn grew to 16 acres, with a 16,000-square-foot heated arena. There's also a pond, grazing area, and sensory garden. Since it began, Equestrian Connection has helped hundreds of thousands of clients, both kids and adults. "Since I was about 12 years old, I've loved to be with horses and ride horses," said client Deanne Basofin. "But then I found later, when I was about in my 50s, I found out that I have multiple sclerosis, which kind of left that off the table." Or so she thought. Then Basofin found Equestrian Connection. "It's like going back to … one of my things I love. Being able to do something that I love that I was not able to do before," she said. "I'm here to get stronger and work on balance and strength. … It's done tremendous things for me." Equestrian Connection holds annual fundraisers called Marty's Barn Parties, named for one of the program's original supporters. Past performers include Martina McBride and Kenny Loggins. All party proceeds go to services to help clients and keep projects going. After all, Schnell said doing good is the whole idea. "That's why we're here on the Earth, right? To help each other," she said. "Somebody's looking over us, and it's working." Equestrian Connection offers more than a dozen programs to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being – including some for veterans. It gives out $150,000 in scholarships every year. The next Marty's Barn Party" is Sept. 27.
Black America Web
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Jill Scott's Debut Album Remains Soulful and Authentic 25 Years Later
Source: Marc Fong / other Today, you don't have to ask 'Who Is Jill Scott?', because she has defined herself as a staple of modern-day Rhythm & Blues with her harmonious soulfulness in her music, poetry and even gracing the big screen. But, twenty-five years ago, a then 28-year-old Scott took the world by storm with her innovative debut 'Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol 1.' The summer of Y2K was in an era that was loud and proud, with releases from Britney Spears, 'Oops!… I Did It Again,' and Nelly's 'Country Grammar,' which was the sound of the southern summer. Philly native, Scott, came out in her realm softly, but not in a way that was quiet or inferior– the neo-soul jazziness and poetic lyricism of 'Who Is Jill Scott?' redefined soul and womanhood when it came to love and 'sister girl' experiences in a way that continues to resonate with listeners all these years later from the 'Jilltro' to the very end. The production of 'Who Is Jill Scott?' was by a Touch Of Jazz collective founded by fellow Philly native Jeff Townes, a.k.a. DJ Jazzy Jeff. While the album offers soulful production and instrumentation, Scott herself doesn't shy away from the real when it comes to relationships, from raw sensuality and sexuality, to summer Philly romances, to taking 'A Long Walk' and euphonious descriptions of 'The Way' love feels– her delivery, along with her spoken word pieces, is natural, sweet and demanding. The album feels like a map of Black womanhood and romantic relationships, from the fan-favorite songs such as the heartfelt 'He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)' to the reflective 'Slowly Surely' that navigates leaving a relationship, and the defensive 'Gettin' In The Way.' Even 'Brotha' that often shows the solidarity of standing behind your own, celebrating the Black man. She lifts up their beauty, power even when the world tries to strip it away. The album is layered not only with melodic grooves, but also real life tales from an artist that throughout her expansive career continues to keep it real. Twenty-five years later, 'Who Is Jill Scott?' is still a reflection of authentic experiences– from joy, heartbreat and passion, resonating just as powerfully now as it did back then. SEE ALSO Jill Scott's Debut Album Remains Soulful and Authentic 25 Years Later was originally published on
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Billie Shepherd slammed by mum-shamers over daughter's party but fans come to her defence
TOWIE's Billie Shepherd and her husband Greg Shepherd threw their eldest child Nelly an 11th birthday party last week, with the reality TV star since posting about the occasion Ex Towie star Billie Shepherd has split fans after posting photos of her eldest child's no expense spared birthday party this week. Billie, 35, held a Coachella themed party for her daughter Nelly, 11, last week in homage to the popular American festival. The mum transformed the garden of her home in Essex to keep the festival theme and she hired a DJ and arranged a "surprise" set by a saxophonist. Guests were also treated to a pizza van and a pancake cart, among other food options including a three-tiered cake. Many fans seemed impressed by the party and took to the comments section of the post to share well wishes. However, not everyone felt that way, with Billie attracting a backlash from some people on the platform this week. One wrote: "Cannot imagine what the milestone birthdays will look like. Yes they can afford it and good for them, just don't put it on social media." Another said beside a laughing emoji: "Nellychella at 11? Nah p*** off. Too much money." A third person said: "Hope she has a great birthday but even with your well off status, I'd still tone it down. JMHO." Sharing their thoughts, someone else said: "I'm confused! Loved watching your show but you stopped filming stating Nelly was at an age where you didn't want her in the limelight ... yet here you are opening her up to a whole new level." Someone wrote: "I think perhaps the issue some people are having are that it can be misconstrued as showing off. There's so many people that can't afford to do much with the current climate as it is, so yes, naturally, people will feel crap and maybe even bitter about it. And that's absolutely okay! It's valid, times are difficult!! Is it extra for an 11 year old, yes, of I had their money, would I do the same, yes!! Yes, we would! I think I'd go about advertising it differently though. But this is my personal opinion. "So for those that are saying its too much, I agree with you, but for those also wishing them the best and birthday wishes, I also agree with you too! What I don't think is fair, is to see people attacking those that don't agree with it, it's how they feel, yes, it's rude, but that's how they feel and they can't help that." Responding to that comment, one person wrote: "They don't connect with 'normal people' they like to shove it in peoples faces, they cannot read the room so to speak. The whole family are like that. It's just unnecessary. "It's not jealousy either because I would still choose not to spoil my children this excessively as they will always expect it. What would be nice is showing them how the poorest of poor are, maybe volunteering? Then showing people how you give back, because without the public following you wouldn't be here." Fans however came to Billie's defence in the comments section amid the criticism. One wrote: "Love it! What a lucky little Nelly! All those hating, it's her money, she earned it! I'm pretty sure you would do the same for your kids if you could! Jealousy is an awful trait." Addressing the comment about her posting about the party, another said: "This is her social media though? Surely she can post what she wants here and if you don't like it you can unfollow instead of telling her what to post?" Someone else said: "Some of these comments are vile, absolutely vile. She's your baby who turned 11, why not spoil her, I would too. Happy 11th birthday to Nelly. She's a loved and adored little girl by her family, how can people be so mean." Whilst another said: "She's celebrating her daughter's birthday, why shouldn't she show it off, yes some people are struggling etc, but don't be rude or envious of someone celebrating their child's birthday, so what if it's extravagant I'd do exactly the same if I had the money." Billie had told fans that the party was "extra special" and that guests had "the best time". She wrote in the caption of her post earlier this week: "The best day celebrating Nelly's 11th Birthday. Sooooo much fun from start to end. "I absolutely love party planning and this theme has to be one of my favourite yet!! Our gorgeous girl @djpops_lolamanuel kept the party going all day and not forgetting a surprise appearance from @cj_sax. We really had the best time." She added: "As always thank you to the amazing suppliers that I work with. You all went above and beyond to make things extra special and absolutely nailed the brief to every last detail." She concluded by tagging each supplier.
