Hometown hero leading from the front

By Matt Fotia 

Queensland Gem Wilhemena Thaw is unaware of her official medical condition. 

Like many people her age, and in her situation, she was never officially diagnosed. 

Thaw, 48, grew up in foster care alongside three brothers, one her biological brother, the others from separate adoptions, and was encouraged by her family to embrace her local community. 

The church and sport were her favourite avenues to achieve this goal, but unfortunately, Thaw’s first experience with netball wasn’t a pleasant one. 

“My best friend from school and I were invited to play netball, and off we went decked out in our yellow pleated skirts, but were told we were hopeless,” Thaw explained. 

Two decades later Thaw’s reconnected with the sport, and this time she fell madly in love. 

“Twenty years later I was invited to an all-abilities team in Coorparoo, I played there and met so many new people,” Thaw said. 

“Then one day someone came along and told a few of us to come along to play for the Queensland Gems team and I never looked back. 

“I love the players, I love the coaches, I love the umpires, I love the sounds, I love the smells, I love the community, I love everything about netball.” 

The Gems is not Queensland’s first foray into all-abilities netball, with the sunshine state having previously fielded all-abilities sides.  

Unfortunately, the side was dissolved, but the introduction of Marie Little Shield reignited the Gems program, with Thaw as a foundation member. 

She loved every moment of her first Marie Little Shield experience and encourages all others to get involved with their local all-abilities side. 

“It was very exciting, and we learned a lot about how to play as a team and how to work together,” Thaw said. 

“But we also learned to just do our best and have a sense of humour.  

“We have an academy (called Hit the Dot) now and it is good to see the young kids coming along, because otherwise they would just sit on their phones all day, but instead they’re in an environment where they can meet lots of friends.” 

Thaw will captain a new look Gems at this year's Marie Little Shield, with Queensland naming several new players for the 2024 campaign. 

Those new faces can expect a strong leadership from Thaw. 

“I love being captain,” Thaw said. 

“I like to be loyal and a great role model, so it’s very exciting. I lead by my actions, I’m gentle and sensitive to my friends and I’m always listening.” 

Thaw and her teammates are excited to be playing in front of their home crowd but have given friends and family strict instructions. 

“We’re ecstatic about playing at home and are going to give winning it our best shot this year,” Thaw stated. 

“We’ve told our people not to talk us, especially not until we’ve played New South Wales.” 

Thaw will enjoy the three days of competition regardless of the result, because any time she spends with her Gems family is time well spent. 

“The Gems is like one big family, and I love them all,” Thaw said. 

“You might have a flat day, or someone might be a bit grumpy or quiet and somebody will cheer you up with a joke. 

“We’ve had some funny experiences in the hotels and things like that which make up good memories. 

“We’re just like a normal family, and it’s made me a better person. 

“It’s been an amazing journey, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”