The NSW Swifts are delighted to announce that foundation QBE Swifts Academy Head Coach Lenore Blades has recommitted to the pathway program for 2025.
One of the most experienced mentors in NSW, Blades has an impressive coaching resume.
She coached against the Swifts in the inaugural National Netball League (the Commonwealth Bank Trophy in 1997) when she was head coach of the Sydney Sandpipers, and since then has led NSW State Teams (17Us, 19Us and 21U) through 15 campaigns, winning numerous national underage titles.
Under her stewardship the Academy has already produced a number of Suncorp Super Netball players such as former Swifts Premiership winner Tayla Fraser and current attacker Sophie Fawns, while four current Training Partners – Jess Conlan, Lili Gorman-Brown, Freddie Schneideman and Grace Whyte – have all come through the program.
Formed in late 2019 in partnership with Netball NSW and Principal Partner QBE Insurance, the Academy aims to strengthen the foundations of Australian netball's most decorated elite Club by providing a daily training environment for athletes who have the potential to play for the Swifts in the future.
Underpinning the 10 Rostered Athletes and Training Partners in the senior Swifts setup, Academy athletes consist of the best talent in Netball NSW pathways and competitions.
Blades is excited about the year ahead:
“It is a privilege to recommit to a program that I am deeply passionate about,” she said.
“The development of the Super Netball Reserves competition last year was a huge step forward as it gave our athletes weekly match-play and time on the road which provided them real insight into what it’s like at the very top.
“The development of players, seeing them realise their dreams by taking the court in Super Netball and watching them grow as people is very rewarding and I am excited to work with our 2025 athletes who we’ll announce very soon.”
Jeremy Butler, Swifts Executive General Manager, added:
“Lenore has been a stalwart of the Academy Program since it was introduced and we’re already seeing a clear progression of talent graduating to the Super Netball environment.
“She has done an outstanding job and we are delighted she will take the reins again in 2025.
“Whether you are in the Academy or taking the court in a Super Netball Grand Final, a collective Club effort is required to ensure we are looking after the present and the future and I am delighted we’ve got our Academy coach locked in.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank QBE for their continued support of the Academy since its inception. Our shared vision is achieving great things and we look forward to working closely with them again next season.”
