A high-performance umpiring qualification, the National A umpiring badge is the second-highest level for umpires within Netball Australia’s accreditation system.
With a mother who herself was a National A-grade umpire, Stevens grew up immersed in the world of netball umpiring.
“Some of my earliest netball memories involve me sitting at venues with some of mum’s friends while she was on court and stealing the match ball at half time to run onto the next court and shoot goals or sitting at home pointing her out to my grandma while she reserved the Firebirds games in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy on TV,” Stevens said.
“When people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say an A-grade Umpire.”
Stevens began her own umpiring journey as an 11-year-old at MacGregor Netball Association before achieving her Gold Association award shortly after a move to Western Districts Netball Association two years later.
Her successful test for her A badge came was her third attempt to secure the qualification after missing out in 2021 and 2022 and a reward for her commitment and resilience.
Stevens said finally achieving her A badge wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many including mentor and fellow umpire Marc Henning.
“Let’s just say three always was my favourite number,” Stevens said.
“The biggest thing that keeps me coming back to umpiring is how it challenges me as a person.
“There is no other aspect of my life whether it be school, uni or work that has demanded the amount of resilience that my umpiring journey has. There’s definitely something special about being able to show up after a huge disappointment and just keep pushing on.
“If there’s ever a doubt about what to do - just keep showing up.”
