Breakout star on importance of opportunity

By Stephanie Smarrelli

Lining up alongside her teammates at the pilot First Nations Tournament was a pinch yourself moment for Maryke Babia. 

Even more so when she looked up at the scoreboard and the realisation set in, her and her teammates had not only made the inaugural Grand Final, they had won it. 

The defender was shocked to hear her name called out minutes later as the team of the tournament was announced, capping off a successful series. It was that moment when the youngster finally felt her hard work had paid off. 

“I wasn't expecting it at all because I have never been selected in a state team or even a squad,” Babia said.  

“To have the opportunity to not only play at this elite level but to be selected as the WD of the tournament was validating. 

“I am grateful to have had this opportunity. I feel seen for the first time at this level.”   

Winning the inaugural First Nations Tournament is an achievement Babia will cherish forever.  

“It was extremely special to win the inaugural tournament. I felt a connection with my teammates and to their style of play, it brought out the best in me,” she said.  
 
“It was exhilarating as this was the first time we had a national First Nations Tournament, we made history.  

“Throughout the Grand Final with the scores being so close I had a fire in me, I wanted to put everything out on court. I badly wanted to win not only for Queensland and my teammates but for my mob and my culture.”  

The defender explained how the tournament empowered her to perform at her best.  

“When I stepped onto the court for the first time I felt a sense of pride, honour and excitement but I was still super nervous,” she said.  

“I’m pretty quiet by nature until I get to know people, I was out of my comfort zone, but I loved it.” 

In the past, Babia has found it hard to stand out due to her upbringing which means she often isn’t the loudest person in the room. 

The defender has a strong connection to her culture through her father. She is a Goemulay girl from the tribe of Panay, Mabuyag Island but also has a connection to the Aidth Koedal tribe from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait. 

“My dad is a very cultural man, he grew up on Mabuyag Island and lives his culture,” she said. 

“I have been brought up with cultural lessons and cultural awareness, including respect for elders. 
  
“I naturally don’t speak up in a group setting, this tournament gave me a platform.” 

Following the First Nations Tournament, Babia is more inspired than ever to continue to chase her netball dreams. 

But despite her strong connection to her father, her biggest inspiration comes from another close family member. 

“My mum is my inspiration, she has coached me since I started playing as a 7-year-old,” she said. 

“Mum played for Victoria and in State League, when she moved to Brisbane she continued to play for many years.” 

The last few years have been challenging for Babia and her family with the defender having to watch her biggest supporter fight one of the world’s cruelest battles. 

“Mum was diagnosed with an incurable Lymphoma in 2022 and in December last year had to have a stem cell transplant,” she said. 

“I was very stressed and anxious about her survival; this year has been a challenge for me. 

“My mum has been a constant throughout my netball life, her absence was very hard for me.”  

Another key figure throughout Babia’s netball journey has been coach of the Queensland First Nations team Sharon Finnan-White. 

“My journey has been up and down, I’ve had disappointments, and Sharon has supported and encouraged me to keep working,” Babia said. 

"Communicating with me via phone on training tips and goal setting, her belief in me has inspired me to keep developing. 

“I have a community of support behind me from my netball club and association to Katie Walker who has always believed in me and Mel O’Brien in Brisbane. Mel has been instrumental in my journey; she taught me to do a chest pass when I was two years old.”  

The First Nations Tournament has reignited a hunger in Babia to continue her netball journey to see how far it’ll take her. 

“The tournament has inspired me and taught me to never give up, to keep working hard so when an opportunity like this comes up, I am ready,” she said. 

“It’s taught me how beautiful my First Nations people are when we connect at a high level, how determined and competitive we are. It was amazing to play in this environment alongside and opposing them.”
 
Babia felt a true sense of community at the First Nations Tournament, reflecting on the weekend of netball. 

“I really enjoyed making new friends and feeling welcomed, it was like I was around family the entire time. I felt safe and happy,” she said.  

“There was camaraderie within and between each team, everyone was very determined to win but at the same time friendly and kind to each other. 

“The entire community was approachable from players to umpires, coaches and officials. Usually at competitions there seems to be walls up, which hasn’t felt as welcoming as this did.”  

Looking back at the competition, Babia had nothing but praise for her opponents, touching on some of the First Nations stars she lined up against who everyone should be watching. 

“Jamaica Jauncey for Western Australia stood out to me and Aaleya Turner from South Australia,” she said. 

“The South Australian and NSW teams were strong and had a lot of talent, they were tough to play against.”  

With a bright future ahead of her Babia hopes to take the next step in her netball career off the back of the tournament. 

Currently playing in Queensland’s Ruby Series for reigning champions the Carina Leagues Club Tigers she hopes to step into the Sapphire Series soon and one day don the Origin Diamonds’ green and gold. 

“I would love to play in the Black Swans and to play in the Sapphire Series,” she said. 

“From there I hope for an opportunity to play in the Queensland Firebirds Reserves and then Firebirds before the Diamonds one day.” 

Regardless of how her netball career pans out Babia knows one thing for certain, she wants to keep her culture front of mind. 

“I want to travel the world and continue learning about my culture so I can share it,” she said.