On the back of a fine 2022 campaign, NSW Swifts defender Teigan O’Shannassy has committed to the Club for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season.
A Manly Warringah junior who came through the Swifts pathway with the Netball NSW Waratahs (now the QBE Swifts Academy), O’Shannassy made her elite debut with local rivals the Giants before returning to the seven-time Premiers.
She initially returned as a training partner in 2021 before earning a full-time contract for the Swifts’ 2022 title defence, debuting in the Round 3 victory over the Collingwood Magpies at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Swifts head coach Briony Akle, who also worked with O’Shannassy in her time as a pathway coach, said she was delighted to have secured the 23-year-old’s services for next year.
“I have known Teigan for a long time and had the pleasure of working with her at various stages along her journey, so to see her really settle at the elite level is wonderful for her, and us as a team,” she said.
“She had a tough time with injuries in recent years but over the past 12 months Teigan has demonstrated that she belongs at this level and can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
“In Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner she also has a world-class Diamonds duo to both learn from and work in tandem with.
“She may have missed two games this year due to COVID protocols, but we still got a very good look at what Teigan can bring and her natural ability is really starting to shine through which makes her an exciting option for us.”
O’Shannassy is now looking to take her game to the next level.
“I have loved getting the opportunity to be a part of this Club and making my debut in Round 3 was a moment I’ll never forget,” she said.
“In that game we wore our yellow heritage dress and when you think of the great defenders who’ve worn that Swifts uniform in the past such as Liz Ellis, you really pinch yourself.
“I love working with Briony and, as a defender, getting the chance to learn from Bec Bulley is pretty special. Bec is a legend of that part of the game and her insight is fantastic.
“Working with Sarah and Maddy Turner in the circle is also pretty great. As a professional my dream is to play for the Diamonds, and there aren’t many better people to learn from.
“First and foremost, I am looking forward to a big pre-season and giving myself the best chance to preform to my best for the Swifts in 2023. I can’t wait!”
The Swifts will make further announcements regarding 2023 signings in the near future.
