By Elizabeth Winter
Darcy May-Martin is making waves at just 17 years old, having earned her debut for the First Nations Black Swans at the 2026 Spirit Series.
The South Australian defender first picked up netball when she was in year two, never imagining where the sport would take her.
“It wasn’t until about two years ago when my club coach Kirsty asked if I was putting my name down for under 17s,” she explained.
“When I said no, she said, “If you don’t do it, I’m going to register for you’.”
That push proved to be the turning point for her.
After registering, May-Martin made her first state team in 2025.
“It’s just gone up from there, I’m very grateful for Kirsty for pushing me,” she said.
Later, May-Martin would go on to compete at the First Nations Tournament in 2025, representing South Australia, which was a highlight for the defender.
“Having Indigenous girls playing alongside each other, with Indigenous officials and umpires at the tournament, just seeing how big netball is for First Nations people around Australia was so cool,” she said.
Following the tournament, May-Martin received the call from Beryl Friday, First Nations Engagement Lead at Netball Australia, to join the Black Swans.
May-Martin was part of the First Nations Black Swans team who won the inaugural Spirit Series.
After the call, she was overjoyed at the prospect of playing with athletes whom she had long admired.
“It was so exciting. When I got the call, I was just so happy to be surrounded by other Indigenous girls who love the same sport,” she said.
The Black Swans connected through online education sessions throughout the first half of 2026, but then only came together four days prior to the tournament.
“The connection came naturally. Everyone's super nice and funny and they're all so good to be around,” she said.
Delivered in partnership with PacificAus Sports and Netball NSW, the Spirit Series brought together the First Nations Black Swans, Fiji Pearls, PNG Pepes, and Singapore Vandas in a celebration of culture and international competition.
The young defender excelled in her first international tournament.
For May-Martin, the opportunity to face different international styles of netball accelerated her development.
“Being able to play against all the different playing styles like the physicality of Fiji, then how fast PNG are, it's crazy how different it is to Australia,” she said.
“Having to learn to adjust in the moment is great experience.”
While the on-court experience was invaluable, representing the Black Swans held a special place in her heart.
“Compared to playing for other teams, the opportunity meant being able to represent your family and your Mob back home,” she said.
“Being able to represent everyone back home in Adelaide and all my family in Darwin feels completely different.”
May-Martin was proud to represent her family when putting on the Black Swans dress.
The Black Swans had only one training session together before playing their first game at the tournament, yet that didn’t prevent the clear connection they had within the team.
“It's completely different to training for six months with a team, but you learn to gel with people so quickly and form those connections,” she said.
During the tournament, May-Martin’s family supported from the stands, and she shared their role has been central to her netball journey.
“My mum and grandparents came from Adelaide and my auntie travelled from Darwin because she just loves netball, it’s pretty cool having them here,” she said.
The rest of her family supported from back home in Adelaide.
“Dad’s always played football and rugby and so he loves to chat about netball, even though he thinks he knows a lot, but he doesn't,” she laughed.
"He's definitely a netball dad and he loves it.
“Mum's played a big role in my journey. She's always supported me in what I want to do but never pushed the boundary. She just wants me to have fun.”
May-Martin with teammate and fellow South Australian Aaleya Turner.
Despite being one of the youngest members of the Black Swans squad, May-Martin is already inspiring the next generation of First Nations netballers.
“Being told that I'm a role model definitely still hasn't kicked in,” she said.
I just want to be someone that young Indigenous girls can look up to, to know that you can do it and it's never too late and that there are pathways out there.”
The Spirit Series was more than an opportunity for May-Martin to compete on the international stage; it was a chance to represent her culture, her family and her Mob, with her journey only just beginning.
