Sunshine Coast netball talent Kirra Tappenden earns training contract with Queensland Firebirds

A standout Sunshine Coast high school netball talent has made huge inroads into her professional dream after being signed to the Queensland Firebirds for the upcoming SSN season.

Sunshine Coast netball talent Kirra Tappenden. Picture: Patrick Woods

Sunshine Coast rising netball talent Kirra Tappenden has edged another step closer to her elite level dream after securing a training contract with the Queensland Firebirds for the upcoming Super Netball season.

The promising goal threat began her netball journey when she was six-years-old and in the coming weeks will graduate from Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

After being born in Nambour, Tappenden and her family relocated to Emu Park and then Bribie Island before returning to the Sunshine Coast in 2020.

“I’ve always given any sport a go but netball has been my main focus for a long time,” the 18-year-old said.

After starting as a defender, Tappenden switched to goal attack and goal shooter when she was 14.

Matthew Flinders netball talent Kirra Tappenden.

“I had already made a few Queensland representative teams as a defender but I always worked on my shooting at training and through extra sessions,” she said.

“I never wanted to actually play the position as I thought it would come with too much pressure but now that I’m settled and confident I actually think I strive under pressure.”

Last month Tappenden was contacted by Firebirds head coach Kiri Wills who offered her the role as a training partner for the upcoming 2025 season.

“It was really shocking but I was so happy and as soon as the call ended I started crying happy tears,” she said.

“I’ve been able to go to a few sessions now which has been really cool already, everyone has been so welcoming, training is a lot of fun and it’s a great environment to be in.

“Hopefully I can improve myself as a player physically and mentally and just take it all step by step.”

Nissan State Titles 2024. Pictured: Kirra Tappenden shoots the ball

Tappenden will also juggle her psychology studies and playing commitments for the Bond University Bull Sharks next season but said it would be a challenge she is used to thanks to the Matthew Flinders Elite Athlete Program.

“The program has been such a massive boost for me and Lauren (Brown) has had such a big influence and impact on me as a student and an athlete,” Tappenden said.

“Lauren always knows what to do and how to help me by giving up her time and I can’t thank her enough because I know a lot of other athletes feel the same.”

The schools elite athlete program director Lauren Brown (nee Nourse) is also a former Firebirds’ premiership-winning captain and Australian international.

“As soon as Kirra arrived in grade eight she wanted to play every sport she could and I was so impressed with the way she went about everything she committed to,” Brown said.

Sunshine Coast netball talent Kirra Tappenden. Picture: Patrick Woods

“She has a great humble nature but always seems to know a huge number of people wherever she goes and everyone flocks to her for a chat and a laugh.

“Kirra is a student everyone looks up to, she engages in conversation with younger students, teachers and everyone around her in such an honest and energetic way.

“On the court she is a competitor and quite often gets targeted by other teams as she is such a weapon but it never rattles her and she loves the opportunity to step up in big games and make the most of big moments.

“I’m so unbelievably proud but not at all surprised as she has worked hard and will continue to work hard. She is constantly striving to be better and I can’t wait to see what is in store for her.”

Tappenden thanked the efforts and support of her parents, Carolyn and Dale, coaches, teammates and friends.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast netball talent Kirra Tappenden earns training contract with Queensland Firebirds