Two of Netball SA’s most dedicated officials within The Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League have been recognised for their achievements in coaching and umpiring.
Garville Netball Club’s Kirsty Leonard-Down is the 2025 Development Coach of the Year and Chloe Grosser is the Umpire of the Year.
Kirsty has been selected for involvement in coaching in South Australia at a number of levels, including as head coach of the Garville Netball Club.
Her nomination described Kirsty as the cornerstone of the Garville Netball Club’s coaching program, where she has mentored countless athletes from junior through to Premier League levels.
Her sessions are tailored to each individual’s learning style, strengths, and development areas - ensuring that every athlete feels supported, challenged, and motivated.
Kirsty’s coaching goes beyond skills and strategies; she fosters resilience, self-awareness, and leadership in her athletes, helping them to thrive both on and off the court.
Her involvement with South Australia’s state representative programs in both female and male environments over several years highlights her commitment to developing athletes at the highest level.
Kirsty is also currently undertaking the Marjorie Jackson Nelson Centre for Women's Sports annual Program with Sports SA.
Chloe Grosser is the back-to-back recipient of the FruChocs Premier League Umpire of the Year for her outstanding officiating on court.
Chloe has continued to improve her own umpiring, whilst providing assistance and guidance to others.
She was selected to umpire the Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League Grand Final in 2025 and has assisted with Netball SA off-court duties as well.
She has been involved in the Netball Australia TID Umpiring Group for 2025 and was selected to be involved with the Super Netball Reserves Finals weekend earlier in the year.
Kirsty and Chloe accepted their awards at Netball SA’s Awards Gala on September 5th.
