Board Chair Wendy Archer AM said Ms Ellis’ unrivalled playing career brought new skills and a different insight to the Board as it focused on the future growth of the sport.
Ms Ellis was a member of the national team from 1993 until 2007, including the last four years as Captain of the Diamonds. She is the most capped Diamond, and is a member of the Netball Australia Hall of Fame, the Sports Australia Hall of Fame and is a Legend in the NSW Netball Hall of Fame.
Ms Ellis played in the 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Championships and the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games. She was named Australian Netball's Most Valued Player on four occasions – 1996, 1998, 2002 and 2006. She became captain of the Sydney Swifts in 2000 and captained the team to the 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007 premierships.
“Like all members of the Board, Liz is passionate about netball, both on court and off and brings significant leadership skills as well as a breadth of knowledge gained from her post-career roles in broadcast and business,’’ Ms Archer said.
“We welcome her to the Board at this exciting time for our sport as the game continues to grow and we look forward to the 2027 Netball World Cup and the game’s 100th anniversary.’’
Ms Ellis said joining the Board was an honour and privilege and she looked forward to contributing.
“I am deeply passionate about netball and I want to see it grow and thrive,’’ Ms Ellis said.
“It’s time for me to give back to the sport that has given me so much.’’
The Netball Australia Board this month announced two other key Board appointments to ensure the sport is focused and committed to achieving ongoing growth and success.
Respected business and community leader the Hon Gabrielle Upton has now been appointed as a director for a three-year term. Ms Upton was appointed earlier this year to fill a casual vacancy on the board.
The Board had also renewed Mo’onia Gerrard as the nominated Athlete Director for a further 12 months. She was first appointed in March last year.
Ms Gerrard is a former international netball player with a strong passion for the growth of netball at both a grassroots and professional level. She is currently involved with the game across a number of areas including playing, coaching and mentoring both domestically and internationally.