Sophie Hennessey
Position at the club: C Netball Coach
Occupation:
Contact number:
A little bit about self:
I began playing netball at the age of twelve in 2013, making my first representative team with LYVNA, where I played for three years before moving to Eastern United in 2017. That same year, I was runner-up Best and Fairest in the U15 2s, followed by runner-up again in the U17 2s the next season. My development continued through selection in the Netball Victoria Central East Zone Academy and representing both the Outer East regional team and Jika at the National Regionals, where I helped Jika claim the 2018 State Championship title. That year also saw success at club level, winning Wandin’s Premier Division B Grade Premiership and earning their Rising Star award.
In 2019, I achieved a major milestone by signing my first Victorian Netball League contract with the Hawks, competing in the U19s and Division 1 over three seasons. However, my journey wasn’t without setbacks — during the COVID-19 pandemic, I suffered an ACL injury that tested both my resilience and love for the game. While recovering, I completed a dental nursing certificate and began a teaching degree, continuing to explore where my passions lay.
By 2022, I was ready for a fresh start and joined the Peninsula Waves in Division 1. That same year, I took a Christmas trip through Europe, which led to an incredible opportunity to train as a preseason partner with Manchester Thunder in the UK Vitality League. I was even selected to play in Scotland against the Scottish Thistles — an unforgettable experience that reignited my drive. In 2023, I made my first Championship team with the Waves and helped Narre Warren secure an A Grade Premiership. Around this time, I realised teaching wasn’t my true calling and decided to follow a new path, beginning my Nursing degree
In 2024, I stepped into a leadership role as Vice-Captain for Boroondara’s U23s while also helping Narre Warren secure another A Grade Premiership. That year brought several proud moments, including receiving the ACU Sport and Performance Award from my university after winning the Uni Nationals Championship title, and being named Ferntree Gully’s Premier Division Best and Fairest. The following season, I signed with Boroondara’s Championship team and joined the Bloods family at Olinda, where I took on new responsibilities as both a coach and netball squad leader. 2025 proved to be a rewarding year — I earned Olinda Ferntree Gully’s A Grade Best and Fairest, received another ACU Sport and Performance Award, and proudly completed my Nursing degree.
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to take the next step in my netball journey with the Casey Demons Championship team, continue to develop and grow at Olinda and lead the C-Grade team
Position at the club: D Grade Netball Coach