The 2024 netball season has been nothing short of transformative for WISE Finance sponsored athlete Hannah Torsney. With a passion for the game that started in her early years, this season marked a pinnacle in her journey, bringing both growth and recognition. From her selection into the NT Under-19 team to her debut with the Territory Storm, an award-winning season in the Premier League, and her contributions as an umpire, Hannah’s year has been defined by commitment, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
For Hannah, being selected for the NT Under-19 team and traveling to Melbourne to compete in the National Netball Championships (NNC) was more than just a milestone; it was the realization of a dream. Reflecting on her journey to this point, she says, “Reaching this top age bracket and playing at a higher level felt like a significant achievement.” Not only was she competing at a national level, but she was also given the honor of co-captaining the team alongside Tully Bethune, a role that presented a unique set of challenges. Hannah’s team comprised players from all across Australia, each bringing their own playing style and background to the mix. It was a test of her leadership abilities to help bring this diverse group together, but her passion and adaptability led the team to forge strong connections on and off the court, ultimately achieving both round and final wins.
This experience was pivotal for Hannah, as it not only expanded her understanding of leadership but also immersed her in the ‘Australian Way’ of netball. Attending Netball Australia’s Under-19 development camp gave her firsthand experience in a high-performance environment dedicated to preparing athletes for elite-level competition. At the camp, she learned the importance of maintaining consistency, executing the fundamentals of the game with precision, and striving for excellence. “This camp taught me valuable lessons that I’ll carry forward in my athletic journey,” Hannah explains, highlighting the influence of the Australian Way on her approach to training and competition.
A few months after her NT team experience, Hannah reached another significant milestone when she was selected for the Territory Storm team. Having previously considered herself a few years away from competing at that level, Hannah describes the moment as surreal. “I was over the moon when I got the call. Just a few months earlier, I’d mentioned that I might be ready for this level in a couple of years,” she recalls. Despite initial nerves and self-doubt, Hannah applied herself and began building her skills for this next level of netball. Being the youngest player on the team was a new challenge; in her previous age brackets, she had often held leadership roles, but this time, she found herself learning from the more experienced athletes. “The support and confidence from the team gave me a boost of belief in myself,” she says. “I realized that being surrounded by mentors can be just as enriching as being a leader.” This experience not only solidified her confidence but also deepened her appreciation for the guidance of those around her.
In addition to her achievements with Territory Storm, Hannah also made her mark in the Premier League. Joining the Waratahs for her first full season, she embraced a rigorous training regimen that combined intense physical workouts with the demands of starting her final year of high school. Daily journaling became a key part of her routine, allowing her to reflect on each training session and track her progress. “Journaling helped me stay focused and grounded amidst the pressures of Year 12 and my netball commitments,” she shares. Her hard work paid off as she adapted seamlessly to her new club environment. Waratahs welcomed her with open arms, creating a positive atmosphere that fueled her motivation. As the season progressed, Hannah’s talent and dedication shone through, culminating in her recognition with selection into the 2024 DNA Team of the Year—a prestigious honor she hadn’t anticipated. “Being named to the Team of the Year was incredibly rewarding and reminded me of how far I’ve come,” she reflects. This accolade not only highlighted her growth but also affirmed her place among the top players in the league.
In addition to her playing career, Hannah has also developed a deep commitment to umpiring, a role that has significantly shaped her understanding of netball. She began umpiring at the age of 13, under the mentorship of Kyliem Ferteklis and Ruth Kirk at PNA, who guided her through the initial stages of learning the craft. Later, mentors like Thea Pearce and Linda Parnham at DNA continued to support her growth, instilling in her the skills and knowledge required to excel. In 2022, Hannah achieved her B badge, a milestone that marked her progress and dedication to the role. “Umpiring has improved my understanding of the game in ways I hadn’t anticipated,” she says. “It requires a deep awareness of the players’ movements and strategies, which has helped me as a player.” Umpiring has given her a new perspective on the game, enhancing her strategic thinking, improving her movement patterns, and refining her positioning on the court. This multifaceted involvement in netball has not only deepened her love for the sport but also broadened her skill set as a player.
The foundation of Hannah’s success this season has been the unwavering support of her network. Her family, friends, coaches, and mentors have been a constant source of encouragement, and her sponsorship from WISE Finance played an invaluable role in her journey. This year presented unique challenges as she began her final year of high school, took on the role of school captain, and faced the pressures of completing Year 12. “At the start of the year, I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility and wondered if I could manage it all,” she admits. But with the steadfast belief of those around her, Hannah found the strength to persevere. Her sponsorship from WISE Finance was particularly meaningful, as it not only eased the financial burden of competing in the 2024 Australian Netball Championships with Territory Storm but also reminded her of her community’s belief in her journey. “Knowing that my community supports me has been a huge source of motivation,” she says. “They are the people who truly care about and invest in our dreams.”
As Hannah looks to the future, she is filled with excitement and determination. With her schooling nearing its end, she is ready to embrace the next chapter, driven by an unwavering love for netball. “I’m incredibly grateful for everything netball has given me, and now, I want to give back by sharing my knowledge with younger players,” she says. Coaching and player development have long been close to her heart, and she is eager to return to umpiring in the 2025 DNA season after taking a year off. Looking ahead, Hannah is not only focused on achieving her own goals but also on making a meaningful impact on others. She hopes to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams, just as she has, and to help them see the value of perseverance, passion, and community.
Hannah Torsney’s journey in the 2024 netball season is a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and the support of those around her. As she steps into the future, she carries with her the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the unwavering belief that there is always room to grow and to give back.
