A 20-strong squad of athletes has been selected to represent the First Nations national team the Black Swans in 2025.
After their historic formation and debut at the 2024 Pacific Netball Series, the Black Swans program will return for its second year, bringing together talented athletes from across the country to showcase their skills and cultural pride.
Twenty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers from across Australia will make up the 2025 Black Swans squad, including twelve returning members, and eight new names.
Included in the new squad, having been identified at Netball Australia’s inaugural First Nations Netball Tournament, is Maryke Babia.
A Mabuyag and Saibai Island woman, Babia will be the first ever Black Swans member of Torres Strait Islander heritage.
“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.”
Netball Australia’s First Nations Engagement Manager Beryl Friday said she was excited to announce the new group of athletes who will continue the Black Swans legacy into 2025.
“In a first for the program, we have selected a cohort of 20 athletes who will form our Black Swans squad, with 15 chosen in teams for tournaments,” Friday said.
“We have some of our original Black Swans back - those who have been consistent across tournaments this year, but I am very excited for our new names.
“Some of these players were selected from tremendous performances at the First Nations Netball Tournament and naturally they will continue to grow their craft in our culturally safe environment.”
Friday was a part of the inaugural Black Swans First Nations team in 2024, providing a key mentor role to athletes who embarked on the unknown. In 2025, she will look to do the same.
“My hope for our Black Swans group is to walk away next year with confidence in their playing abilities, a solid understanding of high-performance behaviours and what it means to be a professional athlete.
“Off court, I hope we see a strong cohort of First Nations women from around Australia taking their new learnings and teaching others in their communities.”
Alongside Babia will be Kamilaroi goaler and returning Black Swans representative, Olivia Clark.
“It brought me a lot of joy and pride to represent my culture on such a large scale last year,” Clark said.
“I honestly never thought I would be a part of netball’s history. It allowed me to play and meet some other extraordinary First Nations netball players from all around the country that I wouldn’t have ever played with if it wasn’t for this opportunity.
“In 2025 on and off the court I want to bring some experience to the team and share my experiences in the pathway. I want to be that supportive teammate, especially to the younger and newer member of the Black Swans squad and be someone they can talk to at any moment.”
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.
