Netball NSW is celebrating the selection of four of its brightest young stars in the Australian 21/U Team to contest the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, announced today by Netball Australia.
Named in the 12-strong national team are Frederika Schneideman (NSW Swifts Training Partner), Hope White (GIANTS Netball), and Grace Whyte (NSW Swifts), who will all make their debut wearing the green and gold for Australia, along with reserve Monika ‘Otai (GIANTS Netball).
Netball NSW General Manager of Performance and Pathways, Mardi Aplin, said the selection was a proud moment for the state.
“To have four athletes in this team – each with such unique journeys – is a credit to their hard work and to the strength of our pathway. We’re thrilled to see them take on the world stage and know they’ll inspire the next generation back home.”
Frederika “Freddie” Schneideman – GD/GK
A Randwick junior, Schneideman rose through the Netball NSW Pathway and QBE Swifts Academy, starring for ERNA Hawks in Premier League. She was named MVP at the 2024 19/U National Netball Championships, which NSW won, and gained her first Suncorp Super Netball experience in 2025 as a Temporary Replacement Player for the Swifts.
“She is a formidable defence who reads the game perfectly. After an amazing performance in 2024 at the National Netball tournament she was awarded player of the tournament and has always been nationally identified as an underage athlete,” said Aplin.
Hope White – WA/C
Originally from Maitland, White developed her game playing at Newcastle Netball Association. She a GIANTS Academy product whose sharp playmaking earned her a spot as a permanent replacement player in 2025. She was named MVP of the 2024 19/U National Championships Grand Final at only 17 and has impressed at both state and Super Netball level with her dynamic attacking game.
“This year she was elevated into a full-time contract with the Giants. She's a really strong and dynamic mid-court wing attack and her vision into the circle is next-level. The commitment, dedication and endless hours driving to Sydney for training has been rewarded with this selection,” Aplin said.
Grace Whyte – GA/WA
Hailing from Tumut in the Riverina, Whyte’s talent was first spotted at a 17/U regional trial in Wagga Wagga. A dual basketball and netball representative for NSW as a teenager, she joined the QBE Swifts Academy in 2022, debuting for the Swifts in 2024 and becoming a regular in 2025. Her rise has been marked by flair, athleticism and a competitive edge that saw her win multiple national tournament MVP awards.
“I saw Grace out at a regional trial for 17U state team in Wagga Wagga,” recalls Aplin. “She was this really amazing athlete with lots of flair.
Monika ‘Otai – GS/GA (Reserve)
A Tongan heritage shooter and GIANTS Academy graduate, ‘Otai is regarded as one of Australian netball’s most exciting young prospects. After starring in 2024 as a first-time training partner, she toured Fiji with the Australian 21/U squad in preparation for the World Youth Cup.
“Monika is an amazing athlete that is strong under the post and her movement and long range shot sets her apart from others. A St George District junior, she has been captain of multiple state teams, and made her debut for Giants this year,” Aplin said.
Australia will head to Gibraltar in September aiming to reclaim the world title in a tournament featuring 20 nations over ten days. The 2025 Netball World Youth Cup will run from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 September 2025.
