Following two landmark years representing culture, excellence and connection in netball, the First Nations Black Swans program is set to return with a new squad and head coach.
Proudly supported by the Confident Girls Foundation, the new squad brings together 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, including 12 returning players and five new faces.
Netball Australia’s First Nations Pathways Manager, Beryl Friday, said the program continues to have a strong focus on supporting pathway athletes to reach the highest levels of the sport.
“While the purpose of this program is to have First Nations athletes selected into an Australian Diamonds team, we’ve really expanded our approach to empower them as First Nations female leaders and role models,” Friday said.
“The Black Swans program provides the athletes with holistic opportunities to develop their technical and tactical skills while also building leadership, cultural pride, and the capacity to be role models in their communities.”
Selections feature standout performers from the 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament and other state and national pathway programs.
Among those returning are experienced pathway athletes Olivia Clarke (ACT) and Brianna Martyn (QLD), who have been part of the program since its inception in 2024 and continue to set the standard for younger players.
Martyn, who claimed the Marcia Ella-Duncan MVP at the 2025 First Nations Tournament, said returning to the program feels especially meaningful after overcoming injury.
“I am excited and honoured to join the Australian Black Swans squad,” she said.
“After being sidelined with an ACL injury and working extremely hard to get back on court, I am eager to be a part of this amazing team.”
New addition Aaliyah Sheppard (QLD) caught attention at the 2025 First Nations Tournament and with Queensland’s 19/U State Team.
“I am incredibly grateful to be selected for the Black Swans squad,” Sheppard said.
“It means so much to represent my mob, my family, and my culture. I can’t wait to get out there and get to work.”
This year also marks the appointment of Jen Wright, 2026 Giants Netball Assistant Coach, as the program’s new Head Coach, bringing extensive pathway experience and coaching expertise to the role.
“I am both humbled and excited to have the opportunity to lead the Black Swans as Head Coach,” Wright said.
“I look forward to reconnecting with many of the talented First Nations athletes I have previously worked alongside and to continuing to build on the team’s strong foundation of culture, pride and excellence.”
Wright’s appointment follows an open recruitment process seeking a coach with both high-performance experience and strong cultural competency after inaugural Black Swans Head Coach Ali Tucker-Munro stepped back from the role.
Wright, known for her respectful and collaborative approach, has a deep understanding of First Nations culture within the netball context and a proven record of working effectively with First Nations athletes, families and communities.
The program’s cultural components, including cultural safety, guidance and leadership, will continue to be led by Netball Australia’s First Nations Pathways Manager Beryl Friday to ensure the program remains First Nations-led and culturally centred.
“Jen is a fantastic coach who has worked her way through the coaching pathway in New South Wales and shown great understanding and respect for First Nations cultures,” Friday said.
“She is committed to leading the netball aspect of the program with integrity and care.”
The 2026 Black Swans program will continue to develop athletes beyond the court, with a strong focus on education, leadership and community impact.
Athletes will remain connected to their home-state programs while taking part in a season-long schedule of in-person and virtual activities, guided by individual performance plans that support their development and wellbeing.
Education sessions throughout the year will cover performance, nutrition, culture, leadership, media and personal development, helping athletes build resilience, confidence and pride on and off the court.
Anita Keelan AM, Netball Australia’s Pathways Head Coach, will continue to oversee the performance component, working closely with Wright and Friday to ensure strong alignment with national pathways.
“Anita continues to be a great ally and plays a huge role in the ongoing success of the program,” Friday said.
“Her experience, genuine care and attention to detail ensures Black Swans pathway athletes have the right support and opportunity to thrive.
“The Black Swans continue to show that when culture and opportunity come together, incredible things happen.
“These athletes are not just competing, they’re learning, growing, and shaping the future of pathways for netball in Australia.”
2026 First Nations Black Swans
Sophie Brewer - Wiradjuri (TAS)
Olivia Clarke - Kamilaroi (ACT)
Gabby Coffey - Wiradjuri (NT)
Lily Cubby - Murrawari (QLD)
Mia Evans - Kamilaroi (NSW)*
Chloe Eyre - Wamba Wamba (VIC)
Jayda Grant - Wiradjuri (NSW)
Phoebe Hickson - Dunghutti/Wiradjuri (NSW)*
Scarlet Jauncey - Yawuru (WA)
Brook Lacey - Ewamian (QLD)
Darcy-May Martin - Larrakia & Tiwi (SA)*
Brianna Martyn - Kullilli (QLD)
Tierrah Miller - Yamatji/Noongar (WA)
Jayden Molo - Waanyi (QLD)
Aaliyah Frescon- Sheppard - Nunukul & Kanolu (QLD)*
Holly Stephens - Kurnai (VIC) *
Aaleya Turner - Kaurna (SA)
*Denotes new squad member
