Rising Netball Stars Secure Spots on NSW State Teams
Excitement is building as three talented young netballers from the QBE Swifts Academy have been named in the NSW 19U Team for the 2025 National Netball Championships. Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire), Sophia Martinussen (Tuggeranong), and Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City) will represent their state on the national stage, showcasing their skills against the best young netballers in the country.
Adding to the Swifts’ presence at the Championships, specialist coach Jen Wright will take the helm as Head Coach of the 19U Team. Former Swifts Premiership champion Nardia Trevor will bring her expertise and experience as coach of the NSW 17U side.
“To earn selection to represent NSW at Nationals is a very proud moment for any netballer or coach, and it’s fantastic to see so many from our Swifts environment making the grade again,” said Swifts Executive General Manager Jeremy Butler.
“The Netball NSW State Team program is one of the most important in the netball ecosystem, and I would like to wish everyone involved in it the best of luck as they prepare for Nationals. The State Teams and QBE Swifts Academy have a proven track record of producing athletes who are able to hit the ground running in Suncorp Super Netball, and we cannot wait to see how they perform in 2025.”
A National Stage for Future Stars
The annual National Netball Championships provide a crucial platform for developing athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials from across Australia. Over six days of intense competition, the nation’s best under-17 and under-19 netballers will battle it out for championship glory.
This prestigious event, now in its 40th year, has a rich history of unearthing exceptional talent. Throughout its history, the Championships have helped launch the careers of countless Australian netball stars, including past and present Swifts champions and Australian Diamonds.
[VIDEO EMBED: Highlight reel of past National Netball Championships]
The 2025 Championships will see fierce competition from eight states and territories: Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
The venue for the 2025 National Championships will be announced shortly.
QBE Swifts Academy: A Breeding Ground for Success
The QBE Swifts Academy’s impressive representation at the upcoming Championships is a testament to the program’s commitment to nurturing young talent. The academy’s structured environment and expert coaching staff provide aspiring netballers with the tools and guidance needed to reach their full potential.
[SOCIAL MEDIA EMBED: Twitter post from the QBE Swifts congratulating their academy athletes]
As the countdown to the National Netball Championships begins, anticipation is building for the talented Swifts representatives who are eager to make their mark on the national stage. Their journey is a source of pride for the entire Swifts community and a shining example of the academy’s dedication to developing future netball stars.
How does the QBE Swifts Academy support the development of its athletes?
## Interview: Rising Netball Stars
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re thrilled to be joined today by Jeremy Butler, Executive General Manager of the QBE Swifts, to discuss the exciting news of three of his Academy players securing spots on the NSW 19U Netball Team for the 2025 National Championships. Jeremy, congratulations to you and your athletes.
**Jeremy Butler:** Thank you, it’s fantastic news, and we’re all incredibly proud. Nicola, Sophia, and Nevaeh are immensely talented and dedicated players. This selection is a testament to their hard work and the quality of our Academy program.
**Host:** Absolutely! Can you tell us a bit more about what makes these young athletes stand out?
**Jeremy Butler:** Each of these young women brings something unique to the team. Nicola is a powerhouse shooter with incredible accuracy, Sophia is a versatile midcourter known for her tenacity and vision, and Nevaeh is a commanding defender who reads the game exceptionally well.
**Host:** The Swifts’ Academy seems to be truly nurturing future stars.
**Jeremy Butler:** That’s our goal. We’re dedicated to providing our athletes with the best possible training, coaching, and support, helping them reach their fullest potential.
**Host:** And speaking of coaching, it’s fantastic to see a strong Swifts presence in the coaching ranks as well, with Jen Wright leading the 19U Team and Nardia Trevor coaching the 17U side.
**Jeremy Butler:** Exactly! Both Jen and Nardia are legends of our sport, possessing a wealth of experience and knowledge. Their leadership will be invaluable for these young teams.
**Host:** Well, we wish the best of luck to Nicola, Sophia, Nevaeh, and the entire NSW State Team as they prepare for the National Championships in 2025.
**Jeremy Butler:** Thank you! We’re confident they’ll represent NSW with pride and showcase the talent we have here in our state.
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