A former elite player with a long-standing passion for player development, Bruce brings a wealth of experience in nurturing young talent. In her new role, she will oversee the holistic development of athletes within the Firebirds pathway - working with players individually at Nissan Arena and within team environments including the Queensland State Teams, Firebirds Futures and the HART Premier Netball League.
Netball Queensland General Manager of Professional Netball Adrian Thompson said Bruce’s appointment was an exciting step for the continued growth of the Firebirds pathway.
“Tracey has enormous experience in this space but also a great passion for helping players develop,” Thompson said.
“Her understanding of what it takes to progress from talented junior to elite athlete makes her an invaluable addition to our program.”
The announcement coincides with confirmation of the 2026 Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy intakes, including recently announced Firebirds training partners Elsa Sif Sandholt, Sasha Flegler, Jessie Laga’aia and Lillyana Rennie.
The Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy provides a clear and connected pathway for emerging Queensland athletes to progress to Suncorp Super Netball, supporting nationally categorised athletes, the Queensland 17/U and 19/U squads and the Firebirds Futures competing in the Super Netball Reserves competition.
Regional academies in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton, established in 2024 with the support of Foundation Partner BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), continue to strengthen opportunities for athletes, umpires and coaches across the state.
2026 Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy Selections
QFFA: Kaylin Van Greunen, Elsa Sif Sandholt (Firebirds Training Partner), Kirra Tappenden, Lillyana Rennie (Firebirds Training Partner), Ellie Brice, Jayden Molo, Gemma Hutchings, Sasha Flegler (Firebirds Training Partner), Tia Molo, Jessie Laga’aia (Firebirds Training Partner), Maddi Ridley, Lily Gribble, Nalani Makunde, Brook Lacey, Marley Burns, Charlotte Jonsen, Amy Williams, Simoné Botha, Ruby Stanford, Holly Comyns, Samaya Cook.
QFFA Regional:
Cairns – Ruby Croxford, Brooke Harold, Freya Young, Zoe Ciccheillo, Darna Ziegler
Townsville – Charlotte Clive, Lilly Johnston, Addison Whalley, Mia Solomona, Manaia Marsh, Hayley Killer (Umpire), Ashley Killer (Umpire)
Mackay – Amelia Jenner, Alysse Atherton, Kate O'Brien, Violet Walker, Zoe Jaenke (Umpire)
Rockhampton – Tessa Manning, Georgia Hanrahan, Mackenzie Cox, Alice Maguire (Umpire), Jade McErlain (Umpire)
