A year can change everything.
For 18-year-old Kedron Wavell Cougars defender Charlotte Jonsen, the past 12 months have been a whirlwind of growth, opportunity, and breakthrough moments that have her return to the State Titles as one of Queensland’s most exciting young prospects.
This time last year, Jonsen was part of a North Queensland selection competing in the 18U division while still based in her hometown of Cairns. But finishing high school has led to a major life decision which has taken her netball journey into hyperdrive - moving to Brisbane to begin university and chase bigger opportunities on court.
“The reason I’m here (Brisbane) is for netball, because I could be studying up in Cairns,” Jonsen explained. “I moved down for bigger opportunities in netball and it’s so far worked.”
It has more than worked.
A member of the inaugural Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA) regional intake in 2024, Jonsen drew on the lessons she learned in that high-performance environment to so far make every step a winner following her big move south.
Her first jump was at HART Premier Netball League powerhouse Kedron Wavell Cougars.
Already familiar with the club and its culture through long-time Cougars stalwarts Patti Farrell and Liz White, Jonsen exceeded her own expectations when she was immediately offered a spot in White’s elite Sapphire Division squad for the 2025 season.
“The ultimate goal was to be playing for Sapphire but I was shocked when they told me, ‘you’re in the Sapphire list’,” Jonsen said.
“Such an amazing opportunity. I have loved every single bit of it.”
The year since has been filled with highlights.
In April, Jonsen represented Queensland at the National Netball Championships, where the 19 and Under team claimed bronze.
Her performances in that tournament earned her selection in the Australian 19/U squad, leading to a camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra earlier this month - a chance to train alongside the Australian Diamonds and the country’s next generation of elite netballers.
“It’s just step-by-step, day-by-day,” she said of her overall netball ambitions.
“There’s been times where I’ve lost confidence in myself but I’ve built my resilience so much this year, playing with amazing girls and being coached by amazing coaches.”
Next up, Jonsen turns her attention back to the State Titles, this time in Cougars colours as the club bids to defend its 16U and 18U crowns.
With her journey over the past 12 months serving as inspiration, she’s ready to embrace another opportunity to grow, compete and represent her club with pride.
“it's a very comfortable feeling knowing that you've got those connections already with those girls,” Jonsen said.
“I'm so excited for State Titles. We’re going to smash it.”
The 2025 State Titles feature the best athletes, coaches and umpires from across Queensland to compete against each other in a high-quality competition.
The three-day event begins on Sunday (September 21) at Nissan Arena, with finals in the 16 and Under and 18 and Under divisions to be held on Tuesday (September 23).
Following those finals, selectors will announce the Queensland 17 and Under and 19 and Under squads who will represent their state at the 2026 National Netball Championships, a key Netball Australia pathway event.
Don’t miss a minute of the action with the State Titles to be streamed exclusively LIVE and FREE on NetballQ TV. Click here to watch.
