Swifts Academy athletes make Aussie squads

Netball Australia has announced the athletes who have been selected in the 17/U and 19/U national pathway squads for 2023-24 and there are four QBE Swifts Academy players included. 

Nicola Barge, Eugenie Little, Frederika Schneideman and Grace Whyte have made the cut after standout performances at the National Netball Championships in Darwin last week.

The 64 athletes represent all states and territories and the squads were selected by a panel made up of Netball Australia’s Pathway Head Coach Anita Keelan, chair of selectors Michelle Wilkins and selector Jacqui Illman.  

Wilkins said the 2023 Nationals highlighted the bright future of Australian netball.

"The 2023 National Netball Championships was one of the most tightly contested competitions in many years,” Wilkins said. 

“The shooting ability from both age groups demonstrated impressive skill to react under pressure, the midcourt craft showed great depth and variety, and the defensive talent was both athletic and exciting.” 

Of the 28 selected 19/U athletes, four are currently involved with Suncorp Super Netball clubs as training partners, including Kayla Graham and Sophie Casey (Adelaide Thunderbirds), Olivia Wilkinson (Collingwood Magpies) and Whyte (NSW Swifts). 

Netball Australia's Executive General Manager – Performance Stacey West congratulated the athletes on their selection.   

“Every year our pathway events and Australian squad selections show the importance of netball’s pathway opportunities,” West said.  

"So many of our past and current Australian Diamond athletes have competed in the National Netball Championships, and subsequently been selected in 17/U and 19/U Australian squads. 

“We congratulate those who have been selected in the 2023-24 squads and look forward to seeing their development not only this year, but in the years ahead.” 

Netball Australia will deliver training camps for the 17/U and 19/U squads later this year.

17/U PATHWAY SQUAD  

19/U PATHWAY SQUAD