Kiama Netball Association had a standout showing at the Junior State Titles in July, with the Under 12s finishing as undefeated champions.

Competing in Division Three, the team made up of players across the Kiama LGA won all 16 of their games over three days in Penrith - a remarkable feat for a squad in their first year of representative netball.

“We've had a bit of success in the past couple of years,” said KNA president Michelle Gregory. “But to go through undefeated in their first rep season is a pretty amazing achievement.”

Gregory credited the association’s long-term focus on early development for the team’s success.

“We’ve been investing a lot of time into our players from Under 10s and Under 11s, really focusing on developing skills,” she said. 

“I think it’s a combination of strong club coaching and the additional representative training that’s put them in a great position for success.”

The U14s team who finished in fifth place. Photo: KNA

KNA also sent Under 13s and Under 14s teams to the State Championships, with both competing in Division Three and finishing fifth overall.

“Our Under 13s were runners-up in Division Four last year, so they moved up a division - and to finish in the top five in their first year at that level is pretty impressive,” said Gregory.

“Our Under 14s were Division Four champions in 2024, also moving up to Division Three, and they too finished fifth after three days of tough competition.

"For both teams to step up a division and still place in the top five out of around 20 teams is a great result for a small association like Kiama.”

The U13's KNA team who also finished fifth. Photo: KNA

Gregory also acknowledged the impact of former Australian Diamonds player Susan Pettitt, who has been involved in local coaching.

“She runs a lot of sessions here in Kiama with the girls,” she said. “So having that kind of high-level coaching and extra resources has really helped build their skills and allowed them to be competitive at the state level.”

With the 2025 KNA season now approaching its final rounds, Gregory reflected on a successful year.

“We’ve got two weeks of club netball left, then finals,” she said. “It’s been an action-packed season - this weekend is our Indigenous Round - and we’re seeing continued growth each year across different age groups.”

“This year we’ve seen growth especially in our cadets and senior teams, and overall, it’s been a really strong and enjoyable competition. The girls are loving their netball, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Indigenous Round will be held on 9 August, followed by Kiama hosting the Netball NSW Koori Gala Day on 17 August - two fantastic celebrations of community and culture, so stay tuned for some great days of local netball.