As the 2026 TNL season draws closer, the first chapter of the league’s 19U team preview series shines a light on Karana, a program entering the year with renewed energy, a youthful lineup, and a strong commitment to growth.
Led by Head Coach Sharni Browning and returning Captain Ava Loring, Karana’s 19U squad is embracing a season defined by opportunity, development, and belief, with both leaders united in their vision for the year ahead.
Pre-season has laid the groundwork early, with Browning praising the intent and work ethic shown by her group.
“It has been great to get started,” Browning said. “Our team has been hard at work strengthening and conditioning their bodies for the season ahead. From the get-go, they’ve shown a positive attitude and a real hunger to build and execute.”
That intensity has been echoed by the playing group, with Loring describing a squad eager to raise standards and embrace the challenge of a new campaign.
“Pre-season has started on a really strong note,” Loring said. “The group has come in focused, hungry, and fully committed to lifting our standards. There’s a clear sense of drive and purpose, and it’s setting a great foundation for the season.”
With a young and evolving roster, Browning has placed strong emphasis on education, unity, and trust as key pillars of the program.
For Karana, this year is about educating and delivering for our young team as a collective unit, a one-in-all-in mentality with a team-first attitude. Building trust on and off the court will be vital if they are going to reach their goals.
Loring believes that message has translated into a positive and connected team environment.
“We’ve really focused on fostering positive energy right across the team,” she said. “Creating an environment where players feel supported, confident, and connected has been huge for us, alongside a strong focus on strength and conditioning.”
Change has been a defining feature of Karana’s 2026 lineup, with several experienced players moving up into Opens and new talent stepping into key roles. For Browning, the shift presents both challenge and excitement.
“We’ve had some experienced players age out and move on, but that opens the door for young talent to step forward,” she said. “It’s a year to build, challenge ourselves, and continue setting goals.”
The integration of new and returning players has already lifted standards within the group, according to Loring.
“We’ve welcomed strong additions from other clubs and talented players progressing through Karana’s junior ranks,” she said. “They’ve brought great energy and competitiveness, and our experienced players have done an amazing job setting the tone.”
While finals remain an ambition, both leaders are clear that success in 2026 will be measured by consistency, culture, and continual improvement.
“Our goals are centered around building strong foundations within this newly formed team,” Browning said. “Creating a positive, hardworking culture and competing with strong intent on and off the court is key.”
For Loring, that translates into a clear identity on game day.
“We want to play a brand of netball that’s positive, united, and competitive,” she said. “Finals are a goal, but it’s also about delivering consistent performances and lifting our benchmark every week.”
As round one approaches, the mood within the Karana camp is one of excitement and readiness.
“They’re heading into the season with an enthusiastic and positive mindset,” Browning said. “They know there will be challenges, but they’re ready to embrace them.”
“There’s a really good vibe this year,” Loring added. “We feel energised, connected, and ready to work hard for each other.”
For a young group beginning a new chapter, the journey ahead is one both coach and captain are eager to take on.
“I’m most excited to see what this team can build together,” Browning said.
“And I’m excited to see how much we grow,” Loring added. “We’ve laid great foundations, and I think we’ll surprise a few people.”
