Netball has always been in Jayne’s family. Her Nanna Jane co-founded AYC Netball Club. Her mother grew up on the courts alongside her, playing school and club netball. So when Jayne was old enough, there was never really any question about where she would begin her own chapter in the game.
Now a proud member of the Tasmanian Emeralds, Jayne has found exactly what she was looking for. “I have found my tribe,” she says simply. “Our team is so inclusive to all abilities. Our coaches and support staff are so encouraging and motivating, and we all form special bonds. I feel very privileged to be part of this.”
Jayne started her journey with the Emeralds in 2025, where she was successful in securing a spot in the team that would eventually head away to compete at Marie Little Shield in Queensland. The Emeralds are team of all-abilities athletes, with athletes often starting at Inclusion netball and building skills and confidence before trying out for the team.
Because she has always been tall, Jayne has gravitated to the positions under the hoop; Goal Keeper and Goal Shooter. But it is not only the shooting that draws her in. She loves cheering and encouraging her teammates when the ball travels down the court, staying invested in every moment of play even when she is waiting for the action to return to her end.
There is no shortage of energy around the Emeralds. Jayne describes teammate Ava as “definitely the energy leader,” with a motivating playlist and frequent high fives setting the tone.
Two stand out memories from her time with the Tasmanian Emeralds so far come to mind without hesitation. A pre-match dance-off with ACT. And the last game of the 2025 tournament; an incredibly close contest that ended with Tasmania beating Queensland by two goals. “I felt proud of the whole team who worked so hard to get the ball down to me, and trusted me to get the shots,” she says.
Without the support of proud Emeralds partner, Aurora Energy, the team would not be able to travel and compete at the National Marie Little Shield All-Abilities tournament. This support provides vital funding for flights, accommodation, food and more. Moreso, it provides a group of young all-abilities athletes like Jayne, the chance to be a part of something incredibly meaningful.
Ahead of this year’s tournament, Jayne is working to sharpen the same things that have always defined her game: fitness, speed, and shooting accuracy. But the rewards netball has given her extend far beyond the court. She lists them with quiet conviction; teamwork skills, her first paid job - umpiring, adaptability, lifelong friendships, routine, purpose, and self-belief.
“Most importantly,” she says, “netball gave me a place to belong.”
Her Nanna’s memory is never far away. Jane played and coached for Tasmania, and the legacy she built at AYC Netball Club is one Jayne carries with her every time she pulls on her Tassie dress. “I hope she is proud of me,” Jayne says. Her Pop, who passed away in January, is also never far from her thoughts; a man who never missed an opportunity to come and support her on game day.
She also names two people who shaped her path in the sport: Glynis Devereux, who gave her the opportunity to umpire and has offered quiet, consistent mentorship ever since; and Merrin Prinns, her first coach for five years, who grew her love for the game from the very beginning.
For anyone on the outside looking in, Jayne’s message is straightforward. “Netball is for everyone. There are multiple ways to participate and be involved, for all ages and skill levels. Everyone has a place to belong and play. Everyone deserves to experience being part of a team.”
It is, in the end, the same thing her Nanna believed when she co-founded a club all those years ago. The game has a way of passing that belief down through generations.
