Soar_Book_2021_Edition 3

Eat, sleep, netball and repeat seems to be the motto for Madeline McAuliffe, who has been touted as ‘one of the next generations great Australian netballers to play a major role in the Sunshine Coast Lightning evolution.’ Since her beginnings as a pre-schooler at JPC back in 1999, Madeline has always been a high achiever, throwing herself into any sport and performing arts co-curricular on offer. But do not let the sporting cap fool you; Madeline also has the brains to boot, with numerous academic honours, Cum Laude and Pro Diligentia awards against her impressive academic record. The five-foot ten-inch sportswoman was born in Townsville into a genetically blessed sport and academic family, including older brother Lachlan, who also went to JPC and graduated in 2009. Both siblings were awarded numerous sport, performing arts and academic accolades over their time at JPC; most notably both were College Captains in their senior years. Madeline credits the burgundy and blue for the chance to grow and excel, as she recalls ‘the most special aspect of JPC was the variety of opportunities I was exposed to. I was lucky to be able to pursue my sporting aspirations while also deciding what other career options I was interested in.’ ‘I absolutely loved school and the opportunities available. I am so fortunate to have so many fond memories at JPC. The ones that stand out the most were probably the Europe trip, the annual netball tour to Melbourne and all the different sporting carnivals’ she says. It was from the JPC eagle’s nest that she soared into a whirlwind turn of events awaiting her on the outside after graduation. Madeline went on to represent Australia in the Under 19 and 21 netball teams, based on her fierce dominance in midcourt. She then landed her first professional sports contract with Sunshine Coast Lightning at the young age of twenty one. She joined as a foundation player in 2017 to play in the inaugural season which famously took out the Premiership in its first and second year (2017 and 2018) in the Suncorp Super Netball league! A remarkable feat for such a young team. Setting her sights high and wide, she was then selected as a member of the Australian Netball Development Team in 2019. Fast forward a couple of years, and she continues to play for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the positions of WD/C alongside fellow Alumnus Laura Scherian (2006). When she is not on the court, Madeline works in legal services as a part-time compliance officer at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). Add to that, she holds a seat at the table as a board member and company secretary for USC Thunder Netball and vice-president of the Australian Netball Players Association. Madeline currently lives with her partner, Jamie Colebrook, who is also a JPC Alumnus. Even with her busy schedule, she still manages to see fellow JPC Alumni regularly, including Olivia O’Donnell (2012), Ellie Logan (2011), Nathan Bunker (2012), Melanie Bunker (2012), Chris Isele (2012), Curtis Corneliusen (2012), Taylor Geissman (2012), Stephanie Plunkett (2012), Lachlan Power (2012) and Jay Trinca (2012). With several years of professional netball still in sight for this talented young player, Madeline intends on finishing her practical legal training to expand her current role in governance and risk management at USC. She is also passionate about continuing her dedication to netball after her retirement to improve the game, how it is governed and other overall conditions for future netball players. Class of 2012 Professional Netballer with the Sunshine Coast Lightning Madeline McAuliffe PAGE 28