Netball has always been known as a close-knit sporting community but with three sets of sisters taking to the court this season, Bond University Bull Sharks are taking things to a whole new level.
First there’s the Stowers.
Mia, the Bull Sharks’ Sapphire Goal Attack, arrived at the club from the Queensland Firebirds in the off-season to much fanfare. All the while her younger sister Evie has been quietly working towards earning a place as a Ruby Training Partner and a spot in Bond’s Elite Premier League Development Pathways side.
There’s the Gisingers.
Joesi has been a regular in Bond’s Ruby side for two years, but this year twin sister Jorja gets her chance to shine as a fully-fledged Ruby team-member after two years patiently biding her time as a Ruby Training Partner.
And there’s also the Hyssetts.
Tehya will again be a defensive rock for the Ruby side. Her younger sister Sienna will perform the same role as a Ruby Training Partner and in the Development Pathways team.
When all is said and done, it’s fair to say the Bull Sharks are without peer as a family franchise.
“There’s nothing particularly deliberate about it,” says Bond Bull Sharks Head of Netball, Kim Boland.
“But there’s no doubt it’s a little bit unusual.”
She says a combination of the natural community dynamics of netball and the nurturing atmosphere that permeates Bond’s program has helped create something unique at the Bull Sharks.
“From the get-go we’ve been very focused on building a franchise that allows players to be confident they’ll be given opportunities to improve and also feel comfortable that their effort will be rewarded with an opportunity when a chance arises,” Boland says.
“I think when you create that kind of environment, and the players respond well to it, it’s probably only natural that parents and younger family members watch on and want to be involved.”
Boland says any perceptions that certain players get some sort of a leg-up because of familial connections are entirely misconceived.
“Everyone has to earn their place here,” she says.
“If anything, it imposes a strong sense a responsibility on everyone not to take anything for granted.”