2023 Vixens Academy announced

The Academy enables players in the Victorian netball pathway to experience what it takes to become an elite netballer, with sessions focusing on individual skill development, creating connections with the Vixens group and exposure to the culture of the Vixens.

Academy members will have access to Vixens players both on and off court, and the brains trust of the club including head coach Simone McKinnis and assistant coach Di Honey.

Susan Meaney will continue to spearhead the Academy in 2023 as head coach, with the Melbourne Vixens 2022 specialist coach eager to impart her knowledge on the next crop of potential Vixens.

“It’s a privilege to be involved in the Vixens Academy program, to have the opportunity to work with our up-and-coming talent so they can be exposed to a Vixens high performance training environment,” she said.

“You’ve got the likes of head coach Simone McKinnis and assistant coach Di Honey who have such a wealth of experience together and success with their athletes, combined with Vixens players coming in and taking some of the sessions.

“They’re learning from them first-hand, not only their on-court experience but how to carry themselves as high performance athletes, how to manage themselves as athletes and people. It’s an incredible opportunity for these young athletes.”

There are some familiar faces in the 2023 crop with Taylah Brown returning for her third season and Diamond Creek local Tara Watson gearing up to dive into the program.

Watson played an integral role in the Victorian 17/Under state team earlier this year with the crafty midcourter thrilled to be selected for this next step in the pathway.

“It means the world to me to be named in the Academy and I can’t wait to get underway, to learn new things with all the girls, work with all the coaches and develop in an elite environment,” she said.

Watson is still pinching herself at the opportunity to learn from one of her netball idols in Vixens stalwart Kate Moloney.

“It doesn’t feel real, it’s very exciting to be able to look up to her and interact with Kate in an elite environment.”

2023 Vixens Academy:

Ashlee Barnett

Taylah Brown

Lily Graham

Dee Dee Lambert

Awyen (Sussu) Liai

Claudia Mawson

Mikaela Minns

Eliza Molino

Charlotte Morey

Charli Nicol

Mia Van Wyk

Zara Walters

Tara Watson