The 2026 Schools Cup State Finals concluded at Netball Central on Thursday 12 November, with 32 secondary school teams from across New South Wales competing for state honours across four divisions.
Following Wednesday’s Primary State Finals, the state’s top secondary school teams took centre stage, with eight teams in each division competing after progressing through local and regional competitions.
From 989 secondary school teams that participated in the Schools Cup throughout the year, just 32 reached the State Finals, showcasing the talent, dedication and school spirit that continue to define the competition.
St Bede’s Catholic College claimed the Year 7/8 Boys title, while The Hills Sports High School was crowned Year 7/8 Girls champion. In the older age groups, St Columba Anglican School secured the Year 9/10 Boys title, with Westfields Sports High School taking out the Year 9/10 Girls division.
Kildare Catholic College’s Elka Morris was also recognised for her outstanding performance, receiving the Year 7/8 Girls MVP award.
Among the competing schools was Hunter Sports High School, which added another strong result to its Schools Cup history, finishing runners-up in the Year 9/10 Girls division. Having claimed both girls’ State Championships for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025, Hunter Sports High School has established itself as one of the competition’s most successful programs.
For coach Tracy Baggs, this year’s tournament was particularly meaningful, marking what could be her final Schools Cup campaign after approximately 12 to 13 years helping develop the school’s netball program.
Baggs attributed the program’s success to the strong connections between school, club and representative netball, with many students training and competing alongside one another throughout the year. Reflecting on the significance of reaching the State Finals, Baggs highlighted the opportunity for her players to compete against the best schools across New South Wales.
“To be here and to be amongst the best in the state, across not only state schools, but the private schools and Catholic schools, is an outstanding effort,” she said.
The school’s commitment to developing future talent was also evident off the court, with Hunter Sports High School bringing along students who had narrowly missed qualification to support their peers and experience the State Finals atmosphere. Baggs explained that exposing these students to the competition was an important part of building their motivation to qualify in future years; a sentiment echoed by the students themselves, who spoke enthusiastically about supporting their school, watching high-quality netball and returning stronger next year.
While the competition celebrated the achievements of students on court, the State Finals also highlighted the people who contribute to the sport beyond playing.
For father-daughter umpiring duo David and Abby Whitchurch, Thursday marked another special chapter in their shared netball journey.
Having previously umpired together at junior and senior State Championships, the pair were officiating at their first Schools Cup State Finals. Their connection to the sport extends well beyond umpiring, having also coached together and celebrated a State Championship victory as coaches.
Abby reflected on the opportunity to share another memorable experience with her father, describing how netball had strengthened their relationship over the years.
“It’s a very good opportunity and very special to be alongside Dad and umpire with him,” she said.
For David, the chance to continue sharing these experiences with his daughter remains one of the most rewarding aspects of their involvement in netball.
From coaching to umpiring, the Whitchurch family’s story reflects the connections and community spirit that make the Schools Cup such a special event.
2026 Secondary Schools Cup State Finals Results
Year 7/8 Boys
State Champions: St Bede’s Catholic College
Runners-up: St John the Evangelist High School
Year 7/8 Girls
State Champions: The Hills Sports High School
Runners-up: St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar
Year 9/10 Boys
State Champions: St Columba Anglican School
Runners-up: Pennant Hills High School
Year 9/10 Girls
State Champions: Westfields Sports High School
Runners-up: Hunter Sports High School
With the 2026 Schools Cup State Finals now complete, Netball NSW congratulates all participating schools, players, coaches, umpires and supporters for their contributions to another memorable year of school netball.
The competition continues to provide young people across New South Wales with opportunities to develop their skills, represent their schools and build lasting connections through the sport.
