By Elizabeth Winter
Fresh off an impressive campaign with the Firebirds Futures, Jayden Molo is straight back into international netball, competing for the First Nations Black Swans in the inaugural Spirit Series.
“I love playing with the Black Swans because I feel like everyone has their own different type of flair they bring to the game,” she said.
“Our coaches encourage us so we're not afraid to give something a go, if it doesn't work, you learn from it.”
Having already competed in international netball, state league competition, and the Super Netball Reserves at a young age, Molo’s experience has accelerated her development as an athlete while introducing crucial high-performance habits.
“With the Firebirds Futures, being exposed to the girls who have had that experience in SSN, playing with and against them, has been so valuable,” she said.
“It encourages you to do all the small things like ensuring you're recovering well, because the games are high intensity.”
Returning to play for the Black Swans is about more than another representative opportunity.
As a proud Waanyi woman, representing her First Nations heritage has strengthened Molo’s journey on and off the court.
“The Black Swans helped me step out of my shell as a person, being in the team environment,” she said.
Molo has been part of the Black Swans since the inaugural team was announced in 2024.
“I can be a bit quieter and closed off, but being part of Black Swans helped me talk more, which I'm able to take away to other teams.
“Some girls that fall out of the love of netball, being in teams like Black Swans brings them back into that love for the game.”
As well as being part of the Black Swans, Molo has represented Queensland at the 2024 and 2025 First Nations Tournaments, helping the state claim the inaugural title where she was named MVP.
“The First Nations Tournament is a great opportunity for girls across all states,” she said.
“It’s been great to make new connections on and off court. We've all gone through different pathways, so when we come together it’s nice to learn from each other and see what we do differently.”
This week, Molo and the rest of the Black Swans squad will face the Fiji Pearls, PNG Pepes, and Singapore Vandas.
Having represented PNG at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands, and competed against Fiji and Singapore previously at the PacificAus Sports Netball Series, Molo is looking forward to competing against the teams’ diverse styles of play.
“Being exposed to the different styles of netball has helped my own game because you can learn from them and put the takeaways into your toolbox,” she said.
“Growing up playing in Australia, you learn a certain style and then you're playing against that same style, so it’s great to go away to international tournaments and compete against girls who play differently.”
Molo has also represented PNG internationally.
While Molo has enjoyed representative success throughout her career, sharing those moments with her younger sister Tia has made them even more special.
“No matter what team, when we're on court together, playing with my sister is the best thing. We have that natural bond on court, I'll throw a ball and I know she'll get there,” Molo said.
While it’s been emotional knowing she won’t share the court with her sister at this year’s Spirit Series, Molo couldn’t be prouder as Tia embarks on the next chapter of her sporting career in the NRLW with the Brisbane Broncos.
“I’m so proud of her and happy for her. She found her love for the sport. But I will miss her on court, especially with the Black Swans,” she said.
Jayden is incredibly proud of her sister Tia for pursuing a new sporting journey in NRLW.
Whether on the court itself or supporting on the sidelines, family has been a core part of Molo’s netball journey.
“My family is my backbone. I know when things get tough, I always go back to my parents,” she said.
“I have five younger siblings, but my parents got me to every training session, made sure I was at all comps and always there supporting. I'm forever grateful for everything they do, not just for me, but all my siblings,” she said.
With a wealth of representative experience already behind her, Molo has her sights firmly set on continuing to excel across netball.
“Obviously, I want to make SSN. I know it’s hard and requires hard work, but hopefully one day I can get there, and eventually, one day, Diamonds.”
She is also hopeful to see a continuation of pathways for First Nations athletes.
“The Black Swans is a great opportunity and pathway for the girls aspiring to get to that elite level. I still remember getting the call to represent, and I was speechless. I’m very grateful to be a part of it.”
The inaugural Spirit Series is taking place between 8-11 July. The tournament will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports and Netball NSW, and is proudly supported by the Confident Girls Foundation, Suncorp and Arrpwere.
