Five members of Queensland’s title-winning team – Maryke Babia, Lily Cubby, Brook Lacey, Kiesha Muckan and Jayden Molo – have all been named in the Black Swans squad for 2025.
Joining the quartet in the 20-strong squad are fellow Queensland athletes Brianna Martyn and Tia Molo.
Selection in the First Nations national team continues a swift rise for emerging talent Babia, who was named at Wing Defence in the team of the tournament in Melbourne.
A Mabuyag and Saibai Island woman, Babia’s selection means she’ll be the first Black Swans member of Torres Strait Islander descent.
“It's a dream come true to be recognised at this level as an athlete and as a Torres Strait Islander netballer,” Babia said.
“It is a huge responsibility, but also a tremendous privilege.
“Growing up I was taught the importance of community, respect, and hard work. My dad grew up in the Torres Strait on Mabuyag island and has passed down language, songs, art and cultural practices my whole life - embracing and celebrating culture at home.
“These values have guided me throughout my sporting journey. I hope to inspire young Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous Australians to believe in themselves and show them what hard work and determination can do.”
The Black Swans program is returning for a second year in 2025 after being founded and debuting at the 2024 Pacific Netball Series at Nissan Arena in Brisbane.
The cohort of 20 will be utilised to form squads of 15 for tournament teams with former premiership-winning Queensland Firebird and Netball Australia First Nations Engagement Manager Beryl Friday providing a key mentor role as she did for the inaugural squad in 2024.
As part of the 2025 Black Swans program, all squad members will train in their respective state environments across the year and come together at tournaments to compete.
Daily training environment (DTE) schedules will be provided and delivered to each athlete to ensure the growth of their capabilities, skillsets and load management.
The Black Swans will contend as domestic invitees at the 2025 PacificAus Sports Netball Series next February at Nissan Arena.
2025 BLACK SWANS SQUAD
Maryke Babia – Mabuyag Island and Saibai Island (Queensland)
Tully Bethune – Wiradjuri (Victoria)
Jaylah Boney – Ngemba/ Barkinji (New South Wales)
Sophie Brewer – Wiradjuri (Tasmania)
Olivia Clark – Kamilaroi (Australian Capital Territory)
Lily Cubby – Murrawari (Queensland)
Acacia Elers – Worimi (New South Wales)
Chloe Eyre – Wamba Wamba (Victoria)
Jayda Grant – Wiradjuri (New South Wales)
Jamaica Jauncey – Yawuru (Western Australia)
Scarlet Jauncey – Yawuru (Western Australia)
Brook Lacey – Ewamian (Queensland)
Brianna Martyn – Kullilli (Queensland)
Tierrah Miller – Yamatji/ Noongar (Wajarri/ Whadjuk) (South Australia / Western Australia)
Jayden Molo – Waanyi (Queensland)
Tia Molo – Waanyi (Queensland)
Kiesha Muckan – Nunukul Nughi and Kabi Kabi (Queensland)
Ellie Stacey – Wonnarua (New South Wales)
Aaleya Turner – Kaurna (South Australia)
Nasyah Turner – Kaurna (South Australia)
