A former student of Chatswood’s Mercy Catholic College, Kiera Austin, has secured her place in the Australian Diamonds squad, spearheading a diverse group of athletes tasked with defending the nation’s gold medal at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
A Journey Rooted in Sydney
Austin’s path to the pinnacle of international netball began far from the bright lights of global tournaments. Born in August 1997, she developed her skills within the local netball system, starting as a six-year-old inspired by her older sister.
Her foundational years were spent playing for the North Ryde Spirits, a time that cemented her love for the sport before she transitioned into the competitive school environment at Mercy Catholic College. Graduating in 2015, the athlete maintained a focus on both her physical development and her education, later balancing her professional commitments with studies in Medical Science at Macquarie University.
Navigating the Elite Pathway
The transition to professional netball saw the young talent debut for GIANTS Netball in 2018, where she spent four seasons refining her versatility across the goal attack, goal shooter, and wing attack positions. Her career trajectory faced a daunting hurdle in 2021 when a serious ACL injury forced her to the sidelines for nearly a year.
This period of rehabilitation proved to be a defining moment of resilience. By 2022, she had successfully returned to the court, eventually moving to the Melbourne Vixens to further her professional growth. Her rise through the national ranks culminated in her selection as the 180th Diamond in March 2021, followed by major victories including gold at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup.
Building for Glasgow
The national squad heading to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games represents a calculated blend of established experience and fresh perspectives. Captain Liz Watson returns to command the midcourt, supported by defensive mainstays Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce, who are each stepping into their third Games campaign.
Alongside these veteran leaders, the squad welcomes five debutants—Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, and Jamie-Lee Price—marking a significant evolution in the national performance program.
Head coach Stacey Marinkovich noted that the roster selection was driven by the specific needs of a high-pressure, physical tournament. The coaching staff prioritised players who demonstrated both current form and the potential for long-term growth. Among the newcomers, Horjus expressed a deep sense of pride in representing the country, viewing the Games as the ultimate opportunity to test her skills against the world’s best.
As the final preparation phase begins, the team is under no illusions about the intensity of the challenge. The players remain focused on the goal of securing back-to-back gold medals, continuing the long-standing tradition of excellence that has defined Australian netball for generations.
Published Date 13-July-2026
