St Joseph’s netball trinity head to nationals

Three talented young local netballers – Sarah Head, Abbey McCartey and Evie Clarke – have been selected in the 2026 Victorian state schools Under 15 netball team. 

In a resounding vote for the program, all three attend St. Joseph’s College in Echuca and are students in both the sports and academic academies. 

The girls earned their places in the elite squad after surviving a high-pressure and highly competitive selection process involving more than 300 of Victoria’s most talented school-aged netballers. St Joseph’s school of excellence director Carri Carter says their selection is a testament to their dedication, skill and countless hours of hard work both on and off the court.

Carri says Sarah, Abbey and Evie travel to Melbourne at least once every week to train with the Victorian coaching staff and their state teammates while continuing to honour their commitments to their local clubs, Moama Football Netball Club and Echuca Bombers Football Netball Club.

She says balancing school at St Joseph's College Echuca, representative training, local competition and regular travel requires enormous discipline and determination.

“Their success is not only a reflection of their own efforts but also of the strong support network surrounding them,” Carri explains.

“Their families, coaches, teammates and the wider Echuca-Moama community have rallied behind them, helping them pursue this exciting opportunity,” she says.

“The financial cost of representing Victoria is significant, making the generosity of local businesses and community members invaluable and for these girls that includes Moama Bowling Club, HAKKAS Hairdressers, Rich River Golf Club, MKL Aesthetics, Morrisons Winery, Moama Mutts, Body Strong, Arbory Echuca, N8 Echuca, Moama RSL and Intersport Echuca, which have all generously donated incredible prizes for the girls' community raffle.

“Funds raised will help cover the costs of travel, accommodation, uniforms and training throughout the national tournament. The overwhelming support shown by these local businesses highlights the pride the Echuca-Moama community has in its young athletes.”

Carri says the raffle gives the community the opportunity to support Sarah, Abbey and Evie while also having the chance to win one of the many fantastic prizes donated by these generous local businesses.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our community.

“Without the generosity of these local businesses, who have donated such amazing raffle prizes, and everyone who has purchased raffle tickets or contributed in other ways, this journey simply wouldn’t be possible.”

The national tournament begins on Sunday July 26, with Victoria playing Queensland. Finals will be played on July 31, and the tournament will be held at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, Parkville, in Melbourne.