In joyous news, NSW Swifts co-captain and double Premiership winner Maddy Proud has announced that she is expecting her first child in 2025.
A Swifts Centurion, the 30-year-old has played a huge role in three Grand Final campaigns so far, including Suncorp Super Netball title successes in 2019 and 2021.
Swifts head coach Briony Akle said everyone at Club was delighted for Proud and her partner Daniel Hughes, who plays for the Sydney Sixers in cricket’s Big Bash League as well as the NSW Blues.
“This is the most wonderful news for Maddy and Daniel and we are so excited to welcome another little Swiftee into the world next year,” she said.
“While it is a beautiful time, it is also a time of immense change and transition and we will do everything to support Maddy as she prepares to welcome her new arrival in 2025.
“Maddy is an inspiration to so many little kids all over the country and I know she will be the most brilliant mum, and we are hugely excited for this new chapter that lies ahead of her.
“We will definitely miss Maddy on the court, but she remains a key member of our group for the upcoming season and her role as an ambassador for the Swifts and netball in general will be as strong as ever.
“When the time is right, we can’t wait to welcome Maddy back on court for the 2026 season. But that is for another day. For now, we just want to be there for her as she prepares for this new journey.”
Proud thanked the Club and had a message for Swifts Members and Fans:
“Daniel and I are so grateful for the support we’ve had since letting people know and I really want to make special mention of Briony, my teammates, coaches and the wider staff at the Swifts.
“It has been a whirlwind number of months and we have been touched by the well wishes.
“I cherish being a Swift and representing this Club and its Members, Fans and the wider netball community.
“I cannot wait to wear the dress again in the future, and there will be no louder fan than me in 2025, but next year is time for me to focus on this new life moment.
“I know Ken Rosewall Arena will be pumping for all the 2025 home games and I am really looking forward to cheering the girls on as they fight for another Premiership. I also can’t wait for the moment that our new bub gets to see what Mum does for a living”
The Club will make an announcement on Proud’s replacement for the 2025 season in due course.
