Hunter Netballers to Represent NSW at National Championships

Four of the Hunter region’s most promising netball talents will take to the court in Melbourne next week, selected to represent New South Wales at the National Netball Championships.

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Newcastle Netball Association’s Hope White will play in the state’s under 19s team, while the association is also strongly represented in the under 17s with Acacia Elers and Matilda Percival. Maitland Netball Association’s Ellie Stacey, also in the under 17s, rounds out the Hunter cohort.

In a nod to the region’s strength in producing elite netballers, all four have progressed through the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Greater Bank netball program and Sam Poolman’s ASPIRE, a development program run by the former GIANTS netballer and Australian Fast5 representative, also supported by Greater Bank.

The selection is another feather in the cap for midcourter White, following two successful years in the 2022 gold and 2023 silver medal winning NSW under 17 team which saw her earn national squad selection. White is also a member of the GIANTS academy, a pathway squad to Suncorp Super Netball, and plays for Central Coast Heart in the Netball NSW (NNSW) Premier League competition.

This is the first NNSW state squad selection for Elers, Percival and Stacey, who will compete across six days against teams representing every Australian state and territory.

Percival said that earning a state team selection was beyond her wildest dreams.

“Playing in a state team is something that so many young netballers dream about, so to actually be selected is a huge privilege,” she said.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at my association, through the academy and also with ASPIRE, because it’s meant that I’ve been able grow my game without actually having to leave the Hunter.”

Poolman said that having high-level training opportunities available locally was critical for regional athletes looking to develop their skills.

“I started the ASPIRE program because there was a need to strengthen the pathway for local netballers who wanted to work towards that elite level,” she said.

“To have four of our graduates selected for state teams this year is so exciting, it really demonstrates the calibre of talent we have in this region and the value of having access to programs such as mine and the Hunter Academy’s.

“To be able to work with Greater Bank to deliver ASPIRE has been fantastic – they believe in these young athletes as much as I do which makes it a wonderful partnership.”

Greater Bank Head of Retail David Baker said that it’s always a proud moment when players achieve their dreams.

“We support Hunter Academy and ASPIRE because they don’t just develop on-court abilities, they also increase confidence, provide nutrition education, and promote personal attributes that everyone needs as they move into adulthood,” Mr Baker said.

“To see Hope, Acacia, Matilda and Ellie earn this nod is the icing on the cake and a well-deserved acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication from them and their coaches.

“We know they will represent NSW and the Hunter wonderfully and can’t wait to see them carve up the court!”

The National Netball Championships will be held at Jubilee Park Stadium on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula from April 9-14.