REVEALED: Netball SA's 2024 Rising Sisters squad

A selection of the state’s best First Nations netballers have been identified for 2024, named in Netball SA’s Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program squad.

Twenty netballers have been chosen across the U17 and U15 age groups off the back of impressive performances at this year’s Nunga Netball Carnival.

First established in 2022, the Rising Sisters program is designed to increase opportunities and identify talent within South Australia’s First Nations netball community.

This year’s squad will come together in November for an intensive development camp, led by head coach and proud Ngarrindjeri, Narungga and Jingili woman Vanessa Dempsey.

Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said the depth of this year’s Rising Sisters squad was a testament to the talent amongst the First Nations community in SA.

“The athletes selected in Rising Sisters are the best of the best from our Nunga Netball Carnival in October and the calibre of netball at that carnival was impressive,” Ms Klei said.

“This is the third year of our Rising Sisters program and we’re proud to see it continue to develop year on year.

“It is a significant step in ensuring these talented First Nations netballers are captured in our Netball SA pathway and given the opportunity to develop and thrive in our sport.

“It also strengthens the connection to our State Teams, Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures program, and eventually the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australian Diamonds as the ultimate goal.”

Since the inception of Rising Sisters in 2022, a number of athletes have gone on to be a part of Netball SA’s State Teams, the Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures side, and this year’s Yakanarna team who competed at the inaugural First Nations Tournament.

At the tournament, Yakanarna did South Australia and their communities proud, securing the silver medal.

“The Nunga Netball Carnival, Rising Sisters, and the success of our Yakanarna side is proof that the talent is there,” Ms Klei said.

“We need to continue to do everything we can to ensure these athletes have the best chance to take their netball dreams as far as possible.”

Netball SA's 2024 Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program Squad