The depth and quality of talent in the Netball Queensland pathways has been highlighted with a record number of 12 athletes selected in the Australian 17/U and 19/U squads for 2022-23.
Netball Australia announced the full list of 62 athletes on Tuesday morning with Queensland having the equal highest representation with an impressive eight in the 17/U squad and four in the 19/U group.
The selections follow the National Netball Championships in Hobart last month and represents is the strongest showing for Queensland in the past four years
Netball Queensland’s Head of Elite Netball, Rose Jencke, said it was wonderful to see so many Queensland players featured.
“On behalf of Netball Queensland, I would like to congratulate all 12 of our athletes selected in the National squads, it is a huge moment for them and one they should all be proud of,” she said.
“To have 12 athletes from Queensland selected is one of the best endorsements of our pathway programs and all of the work being done to develop these athletes.
“When you look through both Queensland teams that competed in Hobart there were others that really put their hand up for selection as well, but obviously not everyone can be chosen.”
The squads were selected by a panel made up of Netball Australia’s Chair Pathway Selector Michelle Wilkins, Pathway Head Coach Anita Keelan and selector Jenny Borlase.
Wilkins said the level of netball displayed at the 2022 National Netball Championships gives great excitement to what can be expected of the selected 17/U and 19/U national squads.
“The talent did not disappoint selectors and supporters in Hobart,” Wilkins said.
“This competition is critical for the selection of our pathway talent and the ensuring of the Origin Australian Diamonds’ future success, and there is certainly a future Diamond listed within this year’s underage national squads.
“The quality and standard of performance was exceptional and, as importantly, the competitiveness, passion and sense of fair play was testament to the strength of our sport.”
Netball Australia's Head of Pathway Kristen Barnes supported Wilkins’ sentiment, explaining the importance of pathway opportunities on an athlete’s career and potential.
“It was fantastic to have our athletes back on court and performing at such a high level after two long years off,” Barnes said.
“This competition is such an integral part of our performance pathway to bring together the brightest talent from around the country.”
Of the 26 selected 19/U athletes, nine are already involved with Suncorp Super Netball clubs through training partnerships including Ash Ervin from the Queensland Firebirds and Ava Black from the Sunshine Coast Lightning, highlighting the valuable opportunities to emerge from Netball Australia pathway programs
Netball Australia will deliver training camps later this year for selected athletes as an opportunity to develop their on and off court skills and provide elite match day exposure.
Below is the full list of Queensland athletes selected
17U: Darcie Davies, Jada Delaney, Sophie Dobson, Talitah FaiFai, Gemma Hutchings, Ocean Karekare, Jayden Molo, Kaylin Van Greunen.
19U: Ava Black, Ashleigh Ervin, Lillyana Rennie, Elsa Sif Sandholt and Isabelle Shearer (Invitational Athlete).
