QBE Swifts Academy athletes make Aussie squads

Five QBE Swifts Academy athletes are among the 62 that Netball Australia has named to form the 17U and 19U national squads for 2022-23. 

The 36 successful 17U and 26 19U athletes, representing all states and territories, were selected based on a range of attributes, including demonstrated skill and the potential for performance growth. 

The selection announcement follows last week’s talent-filled 2022 National Netball Championships in Hobart, which saw hundreds of emerging athletes compete for titles in the 17U and 19U age groups. 

NSW won both the 17U and 19U National titles with Swifts Academy members Audrey Little (19U) and Grace Whyte (17U) winning the respective Grand MVP Awards.

NSW Swifts teen sensation Sophie Fawns, who is still 18, has also been selected alongside Little in the Aussie 19U team, while younger sister Eugenie Little, defender Frederika Schneideman and Whyte are all incuded in the national 17U setup. 

The squad was selected by a panel made up of Netball Australia’s Chair Pathway Selector Michelle Wilkins, Pathway Head Coach (and former Swifts Assistant Coach) Anita Keelan and selector Jenny Borlase.  

Additionally, two performance panelists for each age group assessed each individual athlete’s performance in the squad selection process to aid in final decisions.  

Wilkins said the level of netball displayed at the 2022 National Netball Championships gives great excitement to what can be expected of the national squads. 

“The talent did not disappoint selectors and supporters in Hobart,” Wilkins said. 

“This competition is critical for the selection of our pathway talent and the ensuring of the Australian Diamonds’ future success, and there is certainly a future Diamond listed within this year’s underage national squads. 

“The quality and standard of performance was exceptional and, as importantly, the competitiveness, passion and sense of fair play was testament to the strength of our sport.” 

Netball Australia's Head of Pathway Kristen Barnes supported Wilkins’ sentiment, explaining the importance of pathway opportunities on an athlete’s career and potential. 

“It was fantastic to have our athletes back on court and performing at such a high level after two long years off,” Barnes said.

“This competition is such an integral part of our performance pathway to bring together the brightest talent from around the country.”

Of the 26 selected 19/U athletes, nine are already involved with Suncorp Super Netball clubs through training partnerships, highlighting the valuable opportunities to emerge from Netball Australia pathway programs.  

Netball Australia will deliver training camps later this year for selected athletes as an opportunity to develop their on and off court skills and provide elite match day exposure.

Please see the full 2022-23 squad lists below. 

19/U NATIONAL SQUAD 

17/U NATIONAL SQUAD 

*denotes QBE Swifts Academy Athlete