Elsa Sif Sandholt describes herself as a “true pathway product” — rising through Queensland and Australian age-group programs to earn her spot in the national U21s and debut for the Queensland Firebirds.
But Sif Sandholt’s path to the elite level has been anything but conventional.
Born in Iceland, netball wasn’t exactly her childhood dream. She spent a decade pursuing gymnastics before first stepping onto a court at age 14. From there she was fast-tracked through the ranks after catching the eye at Bond University.
On the weekend, the Bachelor of Commerce student made her Super Netball debut for the Firebirds against the Sydney Swifts in the world’s toughest domestic league.
“It was such a surreal experience, I still don’t really think it’s set in,” she said.
“I think our training environment at the Firebirds reflects the standards of the league, so I didn’t feel out of place stepping onto the court, and I couldn’t have been more prepared for it.
“This is the league I want to be competing in, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity and the learnings I’ve already taken away from it.”
The milestone debut came in the same week Sif Sandholt was named in the Australian U21 squad alongside Bull Shark Sasha-May Flegler, continuing her rise as a genuine pathway product — from Bond’s U16s team in 2020 to HART Sapphire League debutant at 16, and now to the elite ranks.
“I am a true pathway product having come up through the ranks of U17, U19 and now U21s at these levels,” she said.
“And I am beyond thankful for how my coaches have pushed me to be the best version of myself from the get go.”
And it all began at Bond.
Although Sif Sandholt switched to the Jets in 2022 when Bond didn’t enter a side in the Sapphire Series, the Gold Coast still feels like home.
“As a Bond Bull Sharks junior, it’s always full circle coming back to Bond,” she said.
“I’m always thankful for the coaches, management and players on the Gold Coast who put a lot of faith in a young kid.
“I got my first taste of the HART Sapphire Series, as a 16-year-old rookie playing for the Bond Bull Sharks.”
The goal shooter built on her game this year with occasional stints at goal attack, and with confident two-point shooting, Sif Sandholt’s versatility and ambition are shining through.
“Last week I was lucky enough to be selected in the Australia U21s Squad for the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar later this year,” she said.
“To wear the green and gold would be an incredible honour.
“I think this selection has really cemented the work I’ve put in and how much I’ve grown as a player and person over the last few years”
With an U21 Rising Stars tournament in Fiji last year against Fiji, Singapore and New Zealand and another U21 Tri Series against England and New Zealand earlier this year and then a full domestic schedule that includes the SSNR competition, Sapphire Series and now a Super netball debut – her university degree is perhaps the only thing that hasn’t been fast tracked.
“It’s definitely been a slow and steady grind,” she said.
“Juggling sport, work and study is a constant battle, but good organisation has been key… I chose commerce because of the versatility. I wanted as many options as possible when I graduate.”