Thunderbirds and St Michael’s announce new partnership as Netball thrives at the College

Female students at St Michael’s College have been racking up a series of outstanding achievements in the classroom and on the sports field over the last two years. At the same time, the Thunderbirds have achieved back-to-back national titles. So it comes as no surprise that the top-performing SA netball school for the last two years has teamed up with the two-time Commonwealth Bank Trophy winners in 2025. The hallmark of the partnership will be access to international netball icon Romelda Aiken-George who will work with the 250 young women and girls in the College’s netball program.  A four-time premiership player and one of the most decorated netballers in the history of the sport, Aiken-George will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. Aiken-George commented:

In 2024, St Michael’s College ran 25 netball teams, with even more hitting the courts this year. In 2025, students will proudly sport a newly designed netball dress as part of the College’s new co-curricular uniform. St Michael’s Netball Coach for Open A is none other than former premiership player for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Matrics Netball Club Laura Packard. Laura enjoys her teaching role at the College as well as the opportunity to coach aspiring netballers. From a coaching perspective Packard is, “…enthusiastic and excited to expose more coaches to the best expertise through Netball SA. This is a learning enrichment opportunity for both students and their coaches.”

 

Principal Tony Daley said “It is exciting to witness the best national league netball team work in collaboration with our College to enhance the outcomes of our netball program. The College is so proud of all students’ achievements, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the success of the girls of St Michael’s through this additional partnership.”

Netball SA and Adelaide Thunderbirds CEO Bronwyn Klei said the organisation was eager to work with the 250 students plus coaches in the College’s netball program. Ms Klei said: