Bond University Sports Leadership Scholarship recipient and newly contracted Bond Bull Shark Kirra Tappenden heads a list of five Bond netballers who’ll line up for Queensland at the Netball Australia National Championships in April.
Tappenden, a first year Bachelor of Psychology student, starred at Goal Attack during the Maroons’ exciting silver medal run at last year’s 19U tournament.
Joining Tappenden in the 2025 Queensland 19U team is Bull Sharks Sapphire League star and Queensland Firebirds training partner Sasha-May Flegler.
Powerful Bull Sharks Ruby League defender, Tehya Hyssett, is a training partner.
Defender Isabella Houghton and shooter Bridie Stewart were selected in the 17U team.
Bond University Head of Netball, Kim Boland, said selection in a National Championships squad was no mean feat.
“The Queensland underage selection system is gruelling,” she said.
“These athletes train and trial together at elite level intensity for months ahead of the announcement of final teams.
“It’s an incredibly tough test of playing skill and mental and physical resilience.
“All five athletes should be incredibly proud of their achievements. We are absolutely thrilled for them.”
Boland was also delighted to see Bond’s junior level programs bear fruit.
“Isabella and Bridie have been in our system for a long time now, having first started out with us as 15-year-olds in our Bull Sharks Cubs and Emerging Pathways Programs,” Boland said.
“To see them recognised for higher representative honours is as exciting as it is rewarding.
“We like to think we are offering our players every opportunity to progress.
“It’s wonderful to see a few players rise through our ranks.”
The National Netball Championships will take place in Sydney in the week commencing April 10, 2025.