Super Netball: Donnell Wallam has opened up on her departure from the Queensland Firebirds

Donnell Wallam is subscribing to the theory that everything happens for a reason as she breaks her silence on her departure from the Queensland Firebirds.

Donnell Wallam has broken her silence on her axing from the Queensland Firebirds, saying although her time at the club didn’t end as she had liked, she was excited to “start this next chapter with new challenges”.

Wallam was thrust onto the player market after the Firebirds announced late last month that the goal shooter would not be offered a contract at the club for 2025.

The 30-year-old made her Super Netball debut at the Firebirds in 2022, but the club said her departure was a “recruitment decision based on game style and strategy into the future”.

The Firebirds announced last week they had signed 201 cm Ugandan goal shooter Mary Cholhok, 27, as Wallam’s replacement on a multi-year deal under new coach Kiri Wills.

Wallam scored 556 goals in the 2024 Super Netball season, second only in the league to West Coast Fever’s Jamaican star Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, and she also finished fifth for super shots.

Donnell Wallam shoots for goal for the Queensland Firebirds. Picture: Getty Images

Commenting on her exit from the Firebirds for the first time on social media, Wallam said she believed everything in life “happened for a reason”.

“My time as a Firebird has come to an end, although it didn’t end the way I’d liked, I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful for my time here,” Wallam wrote on her Instagram.

“I’m excited to start this new chapter with new challenges.

“Thank you to the fans who welcomed me to Brissy with open arms and packed our Nissan Arena every week to show your support.”

Wallam, however, did not elaborate further on where her “new challenges” would take her.

Donnell Wallam was not offered a contract for next season by the Firebirds. Picture: Getty Images

The star goaler was named in the 18-player 2024-25 Diamonds squad announced by national coach Stacey Marinkovich in June.

Marinkovich said she would continue to support Wallam in the Diamonds’ environment no matter where she ended up.

“We have recognised the performance that she had throughout the season in earning a spot into the Diamonds’ squad and we want to be able to see her out and playing,” Marinkovich said.

“Whether that is in Australia, or whether that is seeking a contract opportunity elsewhere, we will navigate that as that comes to light as to what she is able to do for the next season.

“Then we will put the support networks around her to make sure that she can still optimise her performance.”

Originally published as Super Netball: Donnell Wallam has opened up on her departure from the Queensland Firebirds