By David Nagel
Gippsland Storm Elite Development Netball Club recently celebrated the great achievements of its players and coaches at its 2024 Autumn awards night held at Caldermeade Farm.
It was also an evening to celebrate team success with most of the 10 netball squads making finals at the Waverley Netball Centre.
Gippsland Storm, now in its 26th year, is still building and going from strength to strength.
During finals nights at Waverley, in autumn and spring seasons, it’s common to see Storm squads on every indoor court competing in different age groups.
Storm competes at an elite level against some of the largest netball associations in Victoria, with most squads they compete against being tournament squads from those respective leagues.
A majority of Gippsland Storm netballers are drawn from regional Gippsland.
It’s the responsibility of Head Coach Simon O’Shanassy – aided by a truly talented group of junior coaches – to develop and mould this raw talent each year.
The transformation in players is remarkable; with parents openly expressing how happy they are with the player’s development.
Storm life member Mike Spain is proud of what the elite development program has achieved over the years.
“Gippsland Storm as a club is an enigma in many ways; concentrating on elite junior netball development while continuing to punch way above our weight in everything we do,” Spain said.
“Upon reflection, after 25 years, there are so many milestones, too many to mention.
“Literally hundreds of Storm’s prodigies have gone on to play in the VNL (Victoria Netball League); also making numerous state squads in national competitions and representing Australia…the list is endless.”
Spain said its incredible to witness the improvement in the players.
“After witnessing these development transformations, to observe the dramatic changes in these elite athletes first-hand, is truly uplifting,” he said.
“All of this has nothing to do with sport, the whole process is truly about character-building, self-sacrifice, commitment, and discipline to achieve a given goal.
“You only have to listen to young athletes currently competing in the Olympics; these same words ring out…to achieve something that seems to be impossible.
“We have had some great leadership over the journey and Simon O’Shanassy’s body of work has been truly remarkable.
“We have also had some excellent presidents over the years.
“Our current president Ann Molino is one of the best, an incredibly articulate and compassionate individual who is always at the top of her game.
“She will be sadly missed when she retires as president next year.”
Spain also took the opportunity to thank Anna and Andrew Klaric from Inspire Physiotherapy for their great support over the years, offering Pilates sessions and other great benefits to the players.
Storm is currently competing in the Spring season at Waverley and looking to qualify as many teams as possible for the December finals series.
Storm’s tryouts for 2025 will take place in October.
See the Storm Facebook page for more details.
