Hutchings earns Firebirds opportunity

Gemma Hutchings has been confirmed as a Queensland Firebirds training partner for 2027, rewarding her rise through the state’s netball pathway.

The 19-year-old’s athleticism sets her apart, with a background as an accomplished junior track-and-field athlete giving her a spring-heeled leap that has already turned heads at every level she’s played.

That aerial ability was on full display at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, where Hutchings helped Australia claim gold in the Fast5 competition.

A regular for the Kedron-Wavell Cougars in the HART Premier Netball League Sapphire Division, Hutchings has represented Queensland at both 17 and Under and 19 and Under level.

Her form for Firebirds Futures in this year’s Super Netball Reserves competition earned her MVP honours, while her continued rise nationally saw her named in the Australian National Pathway Squad that recently toured Samoa for Netball’s Ocean of Power Tour.

Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills said Hutchings’ promotion reflected consistent performances across every level.

“Gemma has been knocking on the door for a while now, and she’s earned this opportunity,” Wills said.

“Her athleticism gives her a real point of difference – she attacks the ball fearlessly and her jump is something you just can’t teach.

“Her ceiling is enormous, and we’re excited to have her in our full-time environment.”

Hutchings will train daily with the Firebirds’ senior defenders throughout 2027, fast-tracking her development at the elite level.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to be consistently in the Super Netball environment and training with the Firebirds to work hard and challenge myself and the girls around me,” Hutchings said.