Hunter Sports High has once again stamped its authority on school netball in New South Wales, claiming both the Years 7/8 Girls and Years 9/10 Girls titles for the third consecutive year at the 2025 Netball NSW Schools Cup State Finals. The achievement cements the school as a dominant force and marks one of the most impressive winning streaks in the history of the competition.
The double victory capped off two thrilling days of action at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park, where the state’s most talented young netballers showcased their skill, determination and teamwork.
Years 7/8 Girls Winners – Hunter Sports High
Led by captain Tori Daly, the Years 7/8 team secured a hard-fought four-goal win over Westfield Sports High in a physically demanding and fast-paced match.
“We won by four and the game was so intense — we all played really nicely,” Daly said.
A key moment came in the final stages: “Towards the end when we got excited, we all ran in and jumped together — that was the key moment.”
Daly singled out a defensive teammate Sophie MaCallum for her standout performance: “She was absolutely amazing in defence. It was very physical, but she held her own.”
Reflecting on the program, the 14-year-old wing attack added: “I’ve been in this team for two years and this competition means a lot — you get to meet new people and play with what you pretend.
Netball at Hunter Sports High is so strong — we’re physical, very skilled, and we push every day at training.”
Years 9/10 Girls Winners – Hunter Sports High
Captain Jade Stringer steered the Years 9/10 team to a gripping two-goal victory over Hills Sports High, retaining their title in dramatic fashion.
“We won by two and only got up at the end — it was really good,” Stringer said.
She highlighted the game’s most decisive moment: “It was tied, and we had the ball. Our shooter scored a long shot, then Hills brought it down and we thought they'd level it — but we got the intercept and brought it back to finish it.”
Stringer said the team’s improved preparation made the difference: “We didn’t start well in our first pool match, so as captain I made sure we had a really good warm-up and lifted our intensity.”
On the program’s continued success, she added: “We won our first State title in Year 8 and just kept building. Three years in a row for both divisions — it’s so impressive and shows how strong netball is at Hunter Sports High.”
More than 22,000 students took part in this year’s competition, including 1,252 primary school teams (12,520 students) and 984 secondary teams (9,840 students). From these, just eight primary and 32 secondary teams progressed through local carnivals and Regional Finals to earn a coveted place at the State Finals.
NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball stars — including Paige Hadley, Tayla Fraser, Casey Adamson and Amy Sligar — were on hand to inspire, support and celebrate the next generation of netballers.
NSW Swift Tayla Fraser said she was impressed by the quality and passion on display: “It’s been excellent. The girls are so talented and the boys bring a little bit of extra flair. It’s been nice seeing kids from all over New South Wales competing. We've met kids from 10 hours away, some from two hours. It's been a good, fun day.”
In the Primary division, St Matthew's Catholic School (Central West) claimed the State Championship, while St Joseph's Primary School – Lockhart finished Runners-Up after a remarkable first-ever appearance at the State Finals.
“Schools Cup is one of the highlights of the year for Netball NSW,” Executive General Manager Trish Crews said.
“It’s an incredible celebration of participation, teamwork, and school spirit. Every student gets the chance to represent their school, have fun, and be inspired by their peers and elite players. Events like this show that netball is for everyone — any student can pick up a ball, play with friends, and experience the joy of the game.”
Matches ran from 9:00am to 2:45pm each day, drawing teachers, families, supporters and alumni who created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere across the entire venue.
Schools interested in participating in the 2026 Netball NSW Schools Cup can find more information at netballnsw.com.
Results:
7/8 Girls
Winners: Hunter Sports High School
Runners up: Westfield Sports High
7/8 Boys
Winners: Trinity Catholic College - Lismore
Runners up: Davidson High School
9/10 Girls
Winners: Hunter Sports High
Runners up: The Hills Sports High School
9/10 Boys
Winners: Hunter Valley Grammar School
Runners Up: St Matthew’s Catholic School
Netball NSW
