25 promising netball stars of the South Burnett
They’re the netball stars of the future, already making their mark in clubs across the South Burnett and beyond. See the full list of the region’s young rising netball stars to watch.
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Netball is one of the fastest-growing sports on the South Burnett, with clubs across the region full of talent.
Nanango and District Netball president Katie Mangan said her club was in a unique position this year with about 90 per cent of their players having never played the sport before.
“The improvements they have all made has been amazing to see, and they have managed to hold their own and win against players from other clubs around the South Burnett and Darling Downs,” Mrs Mangan said.
“I am sure you will see many of these names for years to come,” she said.
The South Burnett Times reached out to the region’s netball clubs in search of rising stars.
For some of these netball young guns, their dream is to pursue a professional career, while for others, they just love playing the sport with friends.
Jazz Mladenovic
Jazz is 14 years old and started netball at the age of 6 at the Nanango netball club.
She has played in various carnivals against clubs from around the Wide Bay region.
Jazz said in 2021 she attended the Vikki Wilson Wide Bay carnival at Kingaroy and after winning this carnival her team travelled to Hervey Bay and versed Xavier College.
“In 2022 I was a part of a fast five netball team in Nanango playing with and against adults,” Jazz said.
“In 2023 I will be trying out for the Nanango netball representative team as the netball club is now up and running again.
“My favourite thing about netball is finding new friends ... and playing alongside the most wonderful girls.”
Tia Mladenovic
Tia is 16 years old and played her first game of netball at the age of 4.
In 2022 she played in the Queensland country cup senior girl’s championship and in the Caboolture and Bundaberg indoor competition where her team won three games.
Mum Jodie said Tia recently played against adults in a fast five netball competition.
Tia said she can play any position on the court but has always been a defender.
“Netball has always been a part of my heart, no matter the score I will always be proud of myself and the team I play with,” Tia said.
Mrs Mladenovic said seeing the girls committed and playing to the best of their ability, making great friendships and memories and seeing the smiles on their faces was priceless.
Mikayla Washband
Mikayla is 14 years old and has played netball for the past 9 years.
She has competed at the Central Burnett netball challenge and the Pine Rivers Carnival.
The talented teen has played on the Firebirds Court in Brisbane for a half time match.
Among her biggest achievements were receiving the 2018 Shooter Encouragement Award and in the Defence Encouragement award in 2022.
“She loves how her team is so supportive of all their players,” mum Kerry Johnstone said.
Kiarna Mowat
Kiarna is 12 years old and began her first netball season this year.
She played for Nanango where she experienced carnivals at Chinchilla, Kingaroy and Highfields.
Kiarna said her greatest achievement was playing in the grand final-winning Red Flames.
“I love the competitiveness of the game, making friends, working with them as a team,” she said.
“I also really enjoy the training.”
Kiarna’s mum Jayde Mowat said they felt fortunate to be part of a great club with amazing mentors.
Lily Andrews
Lily, 12, has played netball for six years.
Mum Sam Andrews said aside fro m a broken finger and wrist, Lily hasn’t missed a game.
“Lily has just been selected for the state rep team for Highfields, and starts training in March,” Mrs Andrews said.
Lily said her dream was to represent Australia.
“Shooting hoops in the afternoon is the best time of my day,” Lily said.
Allegra Dioth
Allegra Dioth, 12, played in the under 12 representative team for Nanango where they were undefeated at Highfields.
She has also played in club carnivals in Chinchilla and Kingaroy.
Allegra said her greatest achievements for this year’s season was being named the best player of the semi final and the best rep-netball player of the year.
Allegra said what she loves most about netball is intercepting the ball, playing with her friends and meeting new friends at carnivals.
“I am really looking forward to rep trials in 2023 and hopefully making the team again for another year of netball,” she said.
Sophie Pincott
Sophie is 11 years and began playing netball this year.
Sophie’s mum Linet Pincott said she absolutely loves it and Sophie can’t wait for the next season.
“Her favourite position is goal shooter or goal attack, she has played in a Chinchilla, Kingaroy and Nanango carnival,” Mrs Pincott said.
“She has made some great friends while playing netball for Nanango, it is a wonderful club to be a part of and feel very supported.”
Summer Laherty
Summer is 11 years old and was lucky enough to be selected as a Nanango State School representative this year, in her first year of playing netball.
Summer represented Nanango in Highfields, where the team was undefeated.
Mother Tanya Healy said Summer quickly found her form as goal shooter and goal attack.
“Anyone would think the girls had been playing together for years, but like Summer a lot of her team had only signed up this year to try Netball,” Ms Healy said.
“The team then ventured to Chinchilla Carnival and then wrapped up the season at the Kingaroy carnival.
“During the season, Sum was lucky enough to go to see the Firebirds live in Brisbane, cementing her new found love outside dance and athletics.”
Summer said she is looking forward to the 2023 season.
“The game is very fun and exciting, while getting to meet new people,” she said.
Zara Douglass
Zara Douglass, 12, began playing netball in 2022 and competed in the Toowoomba and Chinchilla competitions playing wing attack.
“It keeps you active and healthy and you get to look up to the people who play in professional netball,” Zara said.
“My biggest achievement is learning the rules of the game in one season.
“My coaches have made it easy to learn the game and have helped me work on and improve my skills.”
Quinn Adams
Quinn is 10 years old and loves every minute of playing netball.
She has competed in carnivals at Kingaroy, Nanango and Chinchilla this year.
Her mother Hayley Adams said her highlights have been getting lots of tips on the ball when in defence which she gets a massive kick out of.
“Quinn‘s really excited to go into the junior comp at Nanango next year and is super keen to get to as many workshops and training days as possible, hopefully she’ll get into a rep team in a few years,” Mrs Adams said.
Mia De Jong
Mia is 13 years old and began her sporting journey as a runner, she has competed at state championship for various races.
Mother Jen Schonrock said Mia qualified for the Nanango team where they won almost every game.
“Her best achievement is receiving the attacking encouragement award at the end of the season this year,” Ms Schonrock said.
Mia said her favourite part of netball is celebrating wins with her team which was something she didn’t get to experience with athletics.
“It’s hard to celebrate wins when others don’t get the result they want to but I love that part of netball,” Mia said.
Emmy Perrett
Emmy is 12 years old and has played netball for one year for Nanango.
She has competed at the Kingaroy Netball Carnival and in her first ever netball game scored 12 points playing goal shooter.
Mother Krystle Perrett said Emmy’s biggest achievement was playing in the carnival against different teams.
Emmy said life is better when you set goals and score them.
Gracie Smith
Gracie is 13 years old and played her first season of netball when she was 6.
Gracie’s mother Kathryn Smith said Gracie has shown tremendous growth in her ability and confidence this season.
“Gracie’s highlight so far was being named player of the 2022 grand final between The Red Flames and Lightning Bolts in a nail biting finish to the Nanango and District Netball Association Junior season,” Mrs Smith said.
“It was a well-deserved award as she gave it her all and played outstanding in the centre position.”
Gracie said she loves the feeling she gets on the court.
“I’m super keen to play netball again and am looking forward to the opportunities and competitions it will bring,” she said.
Nixyn Wilson
Nixyn is 6 years old and joined the Nanango club’s Net Set Go program in 2022.
Mother Samantha Wilson said Nixyn has a very competitive nature and netball is a sport that allows for some friendly competition while encouraging use of an entire team.
“Nixyn loves hanging out with his mates at netball and looks forward to getting involved in some carnivals as soon as he’s old enough,” Ms Wilson said.
Mannah Wilson
Mannah is 8 years old and is called “the pocket rocket” as she is the smallest on the court, but never far from the action.
She competed at three carnivals in 2022 which was her first year playing netball.
Mannah says she loves playing netball because it’s fun and she likes playing against other kids.
Amelia Schuhmacher
Amelia is 10 years old and began playing netball out of her passion for running and cross country.
Father Wayne Schuhmacher said Amelia is a very excitable little girl who loves to run.
“Amelia made it to states for her cross country and loves netball because she got to play with friends and have a go at different positions,” Mr Schuhmacher said.
“Amelia loved playing other teams and making new friends, her favourite position is centre so she could run lots.”
Bridget Miller
Bridget is 6 years old and began playing netball in 2022 in the Net Set Go program.
Bridget’s mother Katie Gilmour said Bridget has absolutely loved it including the games and drills to learn and improve ball skills and the basics.
“It’s always such a great turn out and Bridget loves playing with her friends,” Ms Gilmour said.
“She gets so excited when she scores a goal, even all in practice at this age.”
Tiahnee Baker
Tiahnee Baker, 10, plays for Nanango and also represents her primary school.
Throughout her three years playing the sport she has competed in many carnivals.
“She believes the best netball achievements while playing netball are herself and teammates just getting out on the court and having fun also making new lifetime friends,” mum Tash Baker said.
Tiahnee said she loves playing netball for fitness and scoring goals.
“I am very competitive and I can’t wait for netball season to start again,” Tiahnee said.
Paeden Nelson
Paeden is 10 years old and began playing netball in 2022.
She has adapted to playing any position on the court and has played in Nanango, Kingaroy and Chinchilla.
Paeden’s mother Chloe Nelson said Paeden is very determined and has great sportsmanship.
“Paeden can't wait to play in the juniors next year and we can’t wait to see her excel as a rising star in netball,” Mrs Nelson said.
Suzie Downie
Suzie is 11 years old and has travelled to compete in various netball competitions in Kingaroy, Chinchilla and Nanango.
Suzie received the inaugural 2022 Suncorp Team Girls Award for the 2022 season and qualified to play in a representative team.
Suzie’s mother Andria Downie said her positivity, commitment, and willingness to learn and grow makes her a player everyone would want on their team.
“Her ability has flourished, and she has developed into a beautiful player, we have had many people from different towns say she definitely draws your attention when she plays,” Mrs Downie said.
Suzie said her favourite part is playing and cheering everyone on, including the opposition.
“I love the team spirit,” she said.
Suzie has acquired the nickname “bulldog”, Mrs Downie said this is reflective of her willingness to never give up and her constant cheering.
Sophia Shaw
Sophia, 10, started playing netball this year and has been loving it.
Mother Rebecca Shaw said her biggest achievement was when her team placed second at the Kingaroy carnival.
“She has also played at Nanango and her favourite part of the game is blocking the opposing teams shots and playing alongside friends,” Mrs Shaw said.
Shayla Staples
This year was Shayla Staples, 9, first playing netball.
She competed at Kingaroy and Chinchilla while learning to play all positions on the court.
Mother Amy Staples said Shayla loves playing in defence and attack.
Dakoda Staples
Dakoda Staples is 11 years old and has enjoyed her first year of playing netball this year.
She has competed in Chinchilla and Kingaroy and won her first netball grand final.
“My favourite part was meeting new friends, playing as a team and winning the final,” she said.
“I hope to win as many competitions as my mum and nanny did playing here at Nanango.”
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Originally published as 25 promising netball stars of the South Burnett
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