Warrandyte Netball Club’s Scarlett has been talent-identified at the 2026 Netball Victoria State Titles, one of 61 athletes in her age group across the state to receive the recognition.
As a result, Scarlett has been invited to trial for the Netball Victoria Talent Academy, the next step in the high performance athlete development pathway.
What does being talent-identified mean?
Netball Victoria runs a Talent Identification Program at major competitions including the State Titles and Association Championships. Talent scouts assess players during games, looking for athletes with the potential to develop toward elite netball.
Being talent-identified means Scarlett was spotted by these scouts during the State Titles and has been invited to trial for a place in the Talent Academy. The Academy is a development program for athletes aged 14 to 16 that focuses on tactical and technical skills, athlete wellbeing, and physical preparation. Six regional academies across Victoria selected 194 athletes in total for 2026, making it a highly competitive program.
The pathway from here can lead to the Inter Academy tournament, Victorian state team trials, and ultimately national representation.
From Warrandyte to the State Titles
Scarlett’s recognition came during the 2026 State Titles at the State Netball Centre in Parkville from 7 to 9 March. She was representing the Chisholm Region in the 15 and Under team alongside WNC teammate Callista, while Sierra represented Chisholm in the 17 and Under team.
The road to State Titles starts with club netball: Saturday games at Manningham Netball, training at Taroona Avenue, and representative teams through to the Chisholm Region selection. Chisholm athletes compete at State Titles against the strongest players from every region in Victoria. To be talent-identified in that environment, where every player on every court has already been selected as one of the best in their region, is a genuine achievement.
A proud moment for the club
Scarlett and her family have quickly become an integral part of Warrandyte Netball Club, and her humble and selfless approach on and off the court makes this recognition all the more special.
Congratulations, Scarlett. Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of you and we can’t wait to see where this pathway takes you.
