Cougars players earmarked by Vixens Academy

Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens have revealed this year’s Vixens Academy squad ahead of the Super Netball Reserves competition, including three players from the Geelong Cougars.

Centre and wing defence player Ally O’Connor is in the squad and is also a training partner with the Melbourne Vixens, while fellow Cougars Indya Forde (goal defence/goal keeper/wing defence) and Charli Nicol (goal defence/goal keeper/wing defence) have been named as academy training partners.

Wendy Jacobsen will lead the academy program, with Tegan Hopkins appointed as assistant coach

A former Vixen herself, Jacobsen boasts extensive experience across the Netball Victoria pathway including roles with the State underage program and the Victorian Institute of Sport as well as more recently leading Boroondara’s Championship Division Team in the Victorian Netball League and spearheading Boroondara to two consecutive grand final appearances.

“It is an absolute privilege to have been selected as the head coach of Vixens Academy and lead these talented athletes,” Jacobsen said.

“After having a taste of this competition last year as the Assistant Coach I am super excited to take the next step in my coaching pathway to coach at this level.

“Working with Tegan is a huge asset, her team first mentality knowledge and high expectations of the athletes is a tremendous support to me and the program. We are all learning and growing together.”

She said this year’s Vixens Academy squad was a fantastic balance of experience and youth.

“There are plenty of exciting opportunities for the atheletes who have been selected in this environment for the first time as well as for those who are returning after working hard and consistently performing throughout 2025.

“This group have proven to be hard working, determined, athletic and all-round fantastic people as well as incredibly smart netballers.

“Every time we hit the court, gym or complete conditioning they have been pushing themselves to be better as a team which has been exciting to see as a coach.”