How Evans Made Her Mark

Proud Kamilaroi woman Mia Evans stamped her presence at this year’s First Nations Tournament.  
 
The rising star played a massive role in NSW’s dramatic extra time win against Queensland in the Grand Final.  
 
Not only did she help seal the victory, but she snagged the MVP award, a big result given she was handed a bib she hasn't worn in a while.  

“I was dying,” Evans said. 

“Running in centre the whole game and then realising we were going to go into extra time. 

“But it was an honour to represent NSW and be able to go back home with the trophy.” 

Centre is a position Evans has found herself in before, but where she really plies her trade is goal attack and wing attack. 

Representing IMB South Coast Blaze in the NSW Premier League, it’s those positions she calls the shots from.  

Growing up, netball wasn’t Evans’ first love. 

“I loved dancing,” she confessed. 

“But I got to 12-years-old and my mum said, ‘This isn't for you, you need to move on.’ 

"So, I went to netball and have absolutely loved it ever since.” 

Reflecting on what it means to represent her mob, Evans expressed her thanks for the First Nations Tournament. 

“It was super important to me,” she said. 

“I absolutely loved it, after the game messaging everyone back home and being able to say we won and represented them. 

“Some girls back home don’t get the opportunity, not even in club netball, so to represent them was an honour.” 

One reason she really enjoyed the tournament? 

Having the chance to come together with other First Nations athletes to share their own experiences and yarn about what culture means to them. 

“Being able to go for a week this year instead of a couple of days was an honour for us to be able to come together and celebrate what we're all about,” she said.  

Evans hopes the First Nation Tournament will continue to inspire. 

"This is the start of something so exciting,” she said. 

“First Nations athletes get to experience it, and I hope it continues to grow.” 

Evans is based in Wollongong now but has a rich connection with her mob even though she’s not always near them. 

“My Elder is an artist,” she said. 

“He paints for a living and is always flicking me paintings to show what he's designed because I'm based in Wollongong not in Coonabarabran. 

“With my Premier League team, I was honoured to design our Indigenous dress this year using one of his paintings.”  

While inspired by paintings, Evans spends her time studying another profession. 

“I’m studying a Bachelor of Education,” she said. 

“It’s always something I wanted to do, I loved my high school teachers, and my uncle was a PT teacher so it’s in the family.” 

Netball Australia - By Stephanie Smarrelli