Player, Umpire and Future Leader in Netball: Meet Mia
For many young netballers, the game starts with a simple decision to give it a go. For Mia, that decision came when she was just seven years old, pulling on a bib for the Breakers U8 Dolphins. What began as a weekend sport quickly grew into a passion that now sees her involved in multiple areas of the game.
Today, Mia is a familiar face both on and off the court. She currently plays for the Breakers Electric Eels in the Junior Inters Competition at Northern Gold Coast Netball Association (NGCNA), while also dedicating countless hours to umpiring and mentoring others. Her commitment to the sport extends even further through her involvement in the Netball Excellence Program at Southport State High School, where she continues to develop her skills and knowledge of the game.
While many players focus solely on competing, Mia has embraced the opportunities netball provides beyond playing. Alongside her role as a player, she umpires for both NGCNA and Hinterland District Netball Association (HDNA). This year, she also stepped into the role of umpire coach for Breakers, a position she is incredibly excited about as she helps develop the next generation of officials.
Mia's dedication and willingness to challenge herself have already delivered impressive results. Determined to achieve her National C Badge, she spent last summer umpiring at HDNA's Monday Night Competition to gain valuable experience and continue developing her craft. Her hard work paid off when she successfully earned her National C Badge, a milestone that reflects her commitment to continuous improvement.
Now, with that achievement behind her, Mia has her sights firmly set on her next goal — obtaining her National B Badge. She is also working towards another exciting ambition: being selected to umpire at Junior State Age.
Despite her growing list of achievements, it's not the badges, selections or accolades that Mia values most about netball.
Her favourite part of the game is the people.
Playing with the Electric Eels each Saturday has given her more than teammates; it has given her lifelong friendships. She describes her team and club as incredibly supportive and credits netball with helping her build strong connections both on and off the court.
"The girls aren't just my teammates, they're my friends," she says.
It's a reminder that while netball is a competitive sport, it is also a community that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
When asked what advice she would give to other young girls playing netball, Mia keeps it simple.
"Just have a go. Remember it is okay to make mistakes because that is how we learn."
It's advice that perfectly reflects her own journey. Whether it was stepping onto the court for the first time as a seven-year-old, pursuing her umpiring badges, or taking on leadership opportunities within her club, Mia has consistently backed herself to try new things and keep learning.
Her story is proof that netball offers more than just a game. It provides opportunities to grow, lead, build friendships and discover what you're capable of achieving when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone.
And for Mia, this is only the beginning!