For over a decade, the MLS has provided female athletes with an intellectual disability the chance to compete on the national stage, representing their state or territory with pride and passion. Named in honour of the late Marie Little OAM, the event has grown year on year, with all eight states and territories now vying for the title.
But for the Queensland Gems, the impact of the past 12 months has stretched well beyond the once-a-year tournament. Since Brisbane hosted last year’s MLS, Netball Queensland has rolled out a suite of initiatives to strengthen disability inclusion in the game – from launching the Queensland Gems Ambassador program, to establishing new regional academies in Toowoomba and Townsville and opening two new Netability Hubs.
It’s been a landmark year, and Gems Head Coach Merrin McCulloch says the progress is just the beginning.
“2025 has been a huge year for the Queensland Gems program. We are celebrating 10 years of our program, the commencement of our two new Netability Hubs and Queensland Gems Regional Academies and we have launched the Gems Ambassador program,” McCulloch said.
“These are huge steps not only for the netball program but also in making stronger community links across the state.”
The Gems finished fifth at last year’s tournament, picking up three wins in the process, but with some new faces in this year’s squad, McCulloch is excited about what lies ahead this weekend for her team.
“This year we are welcoming another two debutantes to our team, Jenae (Curry) and Marnie (Simpson), who we can’t wait to see out there on court,” she said.
“The team has a fresh look, with an additional assistant coach in Shelley Birrell and a new leadership team.
“We are really looking forward to the MLS to see if we can climb our way up that ladder.”
Queensland Gems 2025 Marie Little Shield Team
Emily Kennedy, Mason Dare, Lorelei Page, Marnie Simpson, Emma Mangan, Olivia Page, Alice Dunkley, Katelyn Mitchell, Jenae Curry, Charlee Kibble, Hanri Smith, Zoe Gauld.
