For Eliza Mills, netball is more than a game — it’s a chance to belong, to lead, and to show what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.
Eliza, who lives in regional NSW and has a mild intellectual disability, has been part of the Netball NSW All Abilities Team for almost a decade. She is preparing to represent the state for the ninth time at the prestigious Marie Little Shield, a national tournament that celebrates inclusivity in netball. And has just been named Captain.
Her journey back to the sport wasn’t straightforward. Eliza first picked up a netball as a child but stopped playing when she felt out of place. Years later, a friend encouraged her to give it another go, and despite being nervous and “out of whack,” she rediscovered her love for the game. It wasn’t long before her natural athleticism and determination saw her selected for the state team.
But her story is also one of challenges. Living hours away from Sydney, Eliza faces long weekends of travel just to make training, now with her 17-month-old daughter in tow. “It’s a big toll being this far from Sydney,” she admits. “But I make it work because I love this team.”
Another challenge is navigating the dynamics of an All Abilities Team. With players managing a range of intellectual and physical disabilities, drills and coaching instructions can be tricky to adapt. Eliza’s experience and empathy have shaped her into a natural leader. “If someone’s struggling, I’ll pull them aside quietly and help them out. I know what it feels like to be judged, and I don’t want anyone else to feel that way.”
That leadership is valued on and off the court. Known for her energy and honesty, Eliza rallies her teammates when spirits dip. “I just say — forget the last game, focus on the next one. We turn negatives into positives.”
Her disability has shaped her life, but it hasn’t defined her limits. Now, as a mother, she’s balancing sport with raising her daughter, who she says “saved my life” and gives her even more reason to keep striving.
As the defending champions prepare for another tilt at the Marie Little Shield, Eliza is clear about her goals: “I just want to go out, have fun, and be with my teammates. Winning is great, but enjoying the game and the people — that’s what matters most.”
The Marie Little Shield takes place in Brisbane from 5th – 7th September 2025. KommunityTV’s exclusive live stream coverage will include every match from the tournament and will be completely free to view for netball fans.
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