Khianda Pearman’s ultimate goal in sports is to simply be the best she can.To many, the Bermuda High School for Girls student’s mantra may sound something of a cliché. But even her biggest critics will find it extremely difficult to ignore her unwavering determination and commitment to reach her full potential whether it be in volleyball, softball, basketball, track and field or netball.So what is it that makes Pearman click?It’s quite simple . . . good advice from one of her primary sources of inspiration, her mother.As a former netballer herself, Pearman’s mother, Rosalie, never hesitates to share her wealth of expertise to help her daughter realise her own athletic ambitions.“My biggest influence on my career is my mother. She comes to all my games and encourages me in everything that I do,” the teenage athlete said. “She used to play netball so she gives me constructive criticism so when I play I try to use it to help improve my game.”Evidently, the multi-talented athlete is receiving good advice as she has already accomplished much in her short career.Pearman was a member of Bermuda’s Under-16 netball team that won back-to-back divisional honours at the 2010 -2011 Jean Pierre Netball Youth Championships in the Caribbean, walking away with team MVP honours in St. Kitt’s earlier this year.The Southampton resident said winning the developmental division in Barbados last year and then defending their title in St. Kitt’s this year were defining moments in her career.“I was very excited that we won it again and it was a big relief because we were under a lot of pressure,” she said of the team’s successful title defence.Earlier this year, Pearman competed in the high jump at the Carifta Games in Jamaica and also represented the Island in a volleyball tournament in St Marten.Yet while she has a huge appetite for a host of sports she makes no secret that netball is one of her favourites a sport she feels doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves.“I think netball isn’t recognised as much as it should be. The national teams do very good in overseas competitions and don’t get enough credit,” she said. “There are a lot of talented players throughout the different leagues who aren’t recognised as well.”Pearman plays netball domestically for Smooth and Easy Tigers and if need be can be called upon to fulfill the role of goal attack, goal shooter, goal defence or goal keeper, such is her versatility.During her rookie season in the senior netball league in 2009-10, Pearman was named as most improved player and nominated as rookie of the year.“I was very proud of these achievements because I wasn’t really expecting to get any award,” she said. “I am always trying to be the best I can be and I guess all the hard work paid off.”As talented as she may be, Pearman admits the transition from youth to senior netball hasn’t been all smooth sailing.“Playing senior netball is challenging because I am used to playing with people my own age,” she said. “But playing with adults makes me raise my level of form and also helps me to improve on my game.”