Leading the 19 and Under program in 2027 is Lauren Mead, who steps up to Head Coach after guiding the 17 and Under squad through their 2026 campaign.
Mead will be supported by Rebecca Hagenbach as Assistant Coach, who arrives with plenty of winning pedigree, having guided the Mackay Monarchs to the inaugural Ruby North title in 2025.
“I am really looking forward to seeing the U18s compete at State Titles in September and continuing to support the athletes progressing through the Netball Queensland pathway,” Mead said.
“Leading this program provides a fantastic opportunity to build on the knowledge and experience I gained at the Australian U17s Camp at the AIS in July, while continuing to grow as a coach within the high-performance environment.
“It is always a privilege to work with talented young athletes, challenging them to reach their potential and supporting their development both on and off the court.
“There is tremendous opportunity to further strengthen athlete development across Queensland, and I am excited to work alongside Bec to enhance the pathway, create positive experiences for athletes, and help develop the next generation of Queensland and Australian representatives.”
At 17 and Under level, Carynne Robinson has been appointed Head Coach after serving as Assistant Coach with the 19 and Under squad in 2026.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented young athletes,” Robinson said.
“I look forward to supporting their development, and helping them reach their full potential both on and off the court.”
Robinson will be joined by Richanda Kassman as Assistant Coach.
A standout element of this year's appointments is what they represent for Netball Queensland's coaching pathways.
Both Hagenbach and Kassman are former regional coaches with the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy program, and their elevation into state age-group coaching roles is a fantastic endorsement of the Firebirds Academy's ability to develop coaching talent right across the state - not just athletes.
It is a genuine pathways win for Netball Queensland, proving regional coaches can progress all the way through to state representative programs.
Both coaching groups will get straight to work following this month's Queensland State Titles at Nissan Arena, held from 20–22 September, with preliminary squads for the 2027 17 and Under and 19 and Under teams to be selected in the aftermath of that event.
From there, the squads will begin their build towards next year's National Netball Championships.
“The selection of coaches from various locations, especially regional, is a positive endorsement of the work the regions are doing with their coach development and the opportunities available,” NQ Head of Talent and Development Roselee Jencke said.
“The QST is a highlight NQ calendar event showcasing the best emerging talent across Queensland and selectors are looking forward to witnessing bright new stars commence their pathway journey.”
2027 Queensland 17 and Under State Team Officials:
Head Coach: Carynne Robinson
Assistant Coach: Richanda Kassman
Manager: Merrin McCulloch
2027 Queensland 19 and Under State Team Officials:
Head Coach: Lauren Mead
Assistant Coach: Rebecca Hagenbach
Manager: Elizabeth Shaw
