At just 18 years old, Hope White is preparing to take the international stage, proudly donning the green and gold dress for the first time at the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar.
For White, who has come through the Netball NSW pathway, the chance to represent Australia is both humbling and exhilarating.
“It feels crazy — such an honour and privilege. To be chosen as part of the 12 is so special. I’m just really grateful to everyone who believed in me and gave me this opportunity. I can’t wait to go out there with my teammates, have fun, and soak up every moment of wearing the green and gold,” she said.
In the lead-up, White has been training alongside members of the Australian Diamonds squad - Amy Sligar, Sophie Dwyer, Erin O’Brien and Sarah Klau - a challenge that has lifted her game.
“It’s definitely a step up. When you’re training with some of the best netballers in the world, it’s intense. What’s really stood out is the conditioning and the work ethic of the Diamonds players. Seeing how hard they push themselves has motivated me to do the same.”
Off the court, White credits her growth to the support she has received through Netball NSW’s high-performance programs.
“Being a country kid travelling back and forth was tough, but Netball NSW really supported me with things like nutrition and preparation. That made such a difference.
“Working with a sports psychologist has also been huge for me. I’ve learned to reset in tough moments, focus on what’s next, and build a positive mindset. It’s helped me back myself more, speak kindly to myself, and play with confidence.”
Mardi Aplin, General Manager of Performance and Pathways at Netball NSW, said White has both the personality and skill to thrive on the world stage.
“Hope is a very outgoing, kind, infectious person. She’s exciting to be around — full of energy, always on the go, and will do anything for the people she loves.
“On court, her vision into the circle is second to none. She can see and deliver passes that defenders aren’t even ready for. She’s a very special athlete who I believe will go a long way in our sport.”
For White, the tournament represents both a milestone and a stepping stone.
“New Zealand and England are our big rivals, so I know it’s going to be a huge challenge. But I also know this is just the start. My dream is to become a Diamond one day, and this is such an important step on that journey.”
White is joined by fellow Netball NSW athletes Freddie Schneideman (QBE Swifts Academy) and Grace Whyte (NSW Swifts) on the Australian Team in Gibraltar, with Monika ‘Otai (GIANTS Netball) staying on home soil as a reserve.
Also attending in an officiating capacity is Netball NSW umpire Tamara Buriani-Gennai, who umpired the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final and is one of just 22 umpires selected for this international event.
The Netball World Youth Cup 2025 will take place from the 19th – 28th September 2025, in Gibraltar. Australia is in Pool B and take on Northern Ireland in their first match, followed by Singapore, Scotland and Samoa.
View the full tournament schedule here
Fans are able to watch every match of the NWYC2025 live and free on NetballPass and the Netball World Cup YouTube channel.
2025 Australian Netball World Youth Cup Team
Sophie Casey - Adelaide Thunderbirds / SA
Kayla Graham - Adelaide Thunderbirds / SA
Lily Graham - Melbourne Vixens / VIC
Jasmah Haywood - West Coast Fever Reserves / WA
Scarlet Jauncey - West Coast Fever Reserves / WA
Tabitha Packer - Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures / SA
Frederika Schneideman - QBE Swifts Academy / NSW
Charlotte Sexton - Vixens Academy / VIC
Lucy Voyvodic - Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures / SA
Hope White - GIANTS Netball / NSW
Grace Whyte -NSW Swifts / NSW
Olivia Wilkinson - West Coast Fever / VIC
