Courtney 'CJ' Gadsden has reached an outstanding milestone of 350 netball games for the Heathmere Football Netball Club in the South West District Football Netball League, marking a career built on loyalty, family tradition, and a deep love for community sport.
CJ has played every single one of her 350 games with Heathmere since first stepping onto the court in 2006 as a junior in the Under 13s. Over almost two decades, she has remained a one-club player, missing only one season outside of COVID years while balancing her netball career with raising her four children.
Now 32, CJ works as an Education Support staff member at Portland South Primary School and is deeply connected to her club’s history and identity. Netball runs through her family, with both her Nan and Mum Life Members of Heathmere, her Nan previously running the gate for many years and her Mum serving as long-time canteen manager. That legacy continues today, with her own children involved in football and netball, and her husband also active in junior sport.
Reflecting on what has kept her in the game for so long, CJ said it comes down to the people and enjoyment of being part of the club.
“Club atmosphere, friends and family. Having fun on the netball court is what motivates me to keep playing,” she said.
Beyond playing, CJ has become a key figure at Heathmere through coaching and leadership roles, including A Reserve coach, Under 11 assistant football coach, Under 11 netball team manager, and Life Member of the club. She also contributes more broadly to sport in the region as a Under 12 representative basketball coach for the Portland Coasters and a committee member of the Portland Basketball Association.
Her playing career has been filled with standout moments, including winning C Grade League Best and Fairest at just 15 and being part of an A Grade premiership at 16. But one of her proudest achievements remains her shared Life Membership with her Nan and Mum, a rare three-generation honour within the club.
On reaching 350 games, CJ said “I feel pride. Life membership was such a great achievement but this adds to that achievement.”
Her impact at Heathmere extends beyond the court, with CJ highlighting how the club has helped shape her as both a player and a person through friendships, leadership opportunities, coaching, and being a role model within the community.
Despite reaching this significant milestone, CJ is not finished yet. She remains motivated to keep playing and has her sights set on an ambitious next goal, breaking the club record of 500 games at Heathmere.
