As the ACT prepares for the 2025 National Netball Championships, 19/U Head Coach Tara Steel and 17/U Head Coach Natalee George are eager to lead their teams into the campaign. Both coaches bring extensive experience and passion to their roles, ready to guide their athletes as they take on the challenges of competing at the national level.
Tara Steel, 19/U Head Coach
Having led multiple 19/U campaigns, Tara Steel is no stranger to the demands of elite competition. She is eager to continue developing her athletes as they aim to represent the ACT in 2025.
"I'm excited for another Nationals campaign with the 19s age group," Steel said.
"I look forward to seeing our athletes compete for the opportunity to represent the ACT, and for those successful, to continue to develop as athletes and netballers as they take on the country's best in the U19 division in April."
Steel’s coaching style emphasizes both personal growth and athletic development, blending individual strengths with team strategies to create a cohesive unit.
"It's a fun mix of working with young adults who are juggling netball, the transition from school to university, and their career ambitions," she added.
"I most enjoy contributing to their growth as people and their work ethic to be the best netballers they can be."
As a coach, Steel also takes feedback seriously and is committed to improving alongside her athletes.
"Just like the players, we get feedback and do reviews. I’ll continue to challenge the athletes to be better, and I’ll challenge myself as a coach to keep improving together."
Steel offered advice for players preparing for trials.
"Preparation is key, especially coming out of an off-season break. Be sure to get a netball in hand, with a person or against a wall, and alongside that, focus on conditioning and footwork. Bring a relaxed but focused mindset to the trial experience."
Natalee George, 17/U Head Coach
Newly appointed 17/U Head Coach, Natalee George, is equally enthusiastic about leading the team into the 2025 Nationals. After a successful campaign under former coach Kate Durham, George is eager to build on that momentum and showcase the exceptional talent within the ACT.
"I'm super excited to be appointed to the Head Coach role," George shared.
"The 17s had a great campaign in 2024, and I'm looking forward to continuing to build this age group in the 2025 Nationals."
With a wealth of coaching experience at the state level, George has learned valuable lessons that will guide her in preparing her team for the competition.
"The journey to nationals is challenging, and it's supposed to be this way," she noted.
"When we're most challenged, that's when our growth as a team and as individuals accelerates. I bring experience from preparing teams at nationals and state league levels, and most recently as part of the First Nations coaching program. It’s through these experiences that I’ve grown most as a coach, and I’m looking forward to learning more with this group."
As trials approach, George offered words of wisdom for aspiring athletes.
"There will be times when you might feel out of your comfort zone, but this is all part of learning. Usually, when there’s that feeling, true growth is just around the corner. It’s important to embrace this feeling to put your best foot forward."
She also encouraged players to make the most of the experience.
"Going into trials, reflect on your goals, get to know new people, and enjoy playing in different combinations. Everyone's pathway is different, so go out there and have fun with it."
Trials and the Road Ahead
With trials for the 17/U and 19/U teams approaching, both coaches are focused on preparing their athletes for the road ahead. The 2025 National Netball Championships promise to be a thrilling opportunity for ACT's rising stars to test themselves against the best in the country.
Steel and George are not only committed to the development of their teams but also dedicated to fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment that will benefit their athletes both on and off the court.
Trials Information
Trials for the ACT 17/U and 19/U State teams will be held over the following dates at the SolarHub ACT Netball Centre:
17/U Team:
- Phase One: Saturday, 9th November – 8:50am to 1:00pm
- Phase Two: Saturday, 16th November – 8:50am to 12:15pm (only for athletes successful in Phase One)
19/U Team:
- Saturday, 16th November – 9:50am to 1:00pm
Nominations are open from Monday, 14th October until 11:55pm, Monday, 4th November 2024. A $22 registration fee has been introduced to help cover operational costs for the 2025 season.
For more details and to register for trials, visit the Netball ACT website.
