Whitfort’s re-signing comes as the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy Head Coach confirms its 2025 intake, featuring 12 of the state’s emerging netball talents.
The Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy provides a clear pathway for young Queensland athletes to wear the Firebirds dress as well as supporting nationally categorised athletes, the Queensland 17 and Under and 19 and Under squads and the Firebirds Futures in the Super Netball Reserves.
The academy also includes regional academies in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton that were established in 2024 with the support of academy Foundation Partner BHP Mitsubishi Alliance.
It will also support Nationally categorised athletes and others selected in Queensland 17/U and 19/U for the National Netball Championships as well as the Firebirds Futures in Super Netball Reserves
Whitfort joined Netball Queensland in February 2023 and has since made a significant impact, guiding the inaugural Academy intake in 2024, which saw standout performances from athletes including Ash Barnett.
Barnett’s efforts were rewarded with a full-time contract with the Queensland Firebirds for the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season. Additionally, 2025 Firebirds training partners Elsa Sif Sandholt, Sasha-May Flegler, Lily Gribble, Abigail Latu-Meafou, Maddison Ridley, and Kirra Tappenden will all members of last year’s Academy intake.
Whitfort brings extensive experience including roles with Netball Victoria, competition and operations roles with USC Thunder and Sunshine Coast Lightning and as part of Swimming Australia’s high-performance pathways.
Her impressive coaching credentials also include support roles with the Australian Diamonds and squad coaching for the Australian 17U and 19U teams.
“After a successful first year leading the newly formed Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy, formerly the emerging athlete program, I am honoured to be re-signed to lead this program and work with our state’s most talented emerging athletes,” Whitford said.
“This list includes a great mix of our categorised emerging athletes, several of our Queensland Black Swans, and some of our state’s most promising talent that compete in our Hart Premier League competition.
“This year, we continue to take a very personalised approach with each athlete and their individual goals, supporting them both on and off the court, as well as building a strong connection to the Firebirds program.”
2025 Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy Intake:
- Simone Botha
- Marley Burns
- Jayden Molo
- Ellie Brice
- Tia Molo
- Kaylin Van Greunen
- Jessia Laga'aia
- Lily Cubby
- Ciarn MacBride
- Charlotte Jonsen
- Gemma Hutchings
- Holly Comyns
(* the QFFA will also provide a daily training environment for the following players as they prepare for the Black Swans: Brook Lacey, Maryke Babia).
