Netball Victoria has appointed two of the state’s most respected and accomplished netball minds as the coaching panel for the 2025 Elevate program.
Kate Upton has been named Program Head Coach, with Kristy Keppich-Birrell stepping into the role of assistant coach. Both high performance coaches bring a wealth of experience and passion for developing Victorian talent, as Elevate prepares the next generation of athletes for the 2026 National Netball Championships and beyond.
Upton, a long-standing figure in Victorian netball, brings over a decade of high performance coaching experience. She is currently the national 21/U assistant coach and head coach of North East Blaze in the VNL. She previously served as assistant coach and selector for the Collingwood Magpies, and as a national selector. Her appointment marks a continued commitment to excellence in Victoria’s netball development.
“I’m honoured to lead the 2025 Elevate program and contribute to a program that shapes the future of Victorian netball,” Upton said.
“This program it's about creating an environment where athletes feel supported to thrive on and off the court. I’m looking forward to working with our staff and athletes to build a program of high standards and development.”
Keppich-Birrell returns to the Netball Victoria high performance pathway following key roles within the national pathway. She was the inaugural SSN Head Coach of the Collingwood Magpies from 2016 to 2018 and has worked extensively across both national and state programs, including as head coach of the Victorian Fury and the 21/U state team, as well as a selector for the 17/U national program. Keppich-Birrell brings deep expertise in athlete development, performance leadership, and wellbeing, and currently serves as a specialist coach for Netball Australia’s 19/U program.
“Victoria has one of the strongest pathways in the country, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that success with Elevate,” said Keppich-Birrell.
“The Elevate program plays a pivotal role in shaping not just strong netballers, but well-rounded people. I’m thrilled to be working alongside Kate and the incredible team for 2025.”
Elevate has proven instrumental in preparing Victoria’s top underage netballers for national competition. Last week, Netball Victoria named the top 25 athletes in both the 17/U and 19/U age groups, who will train and compete in a high performance training environment with on court skills and match play, as well as strength, conditioning and wellbeing, preparing the athletes for the next steps in their high performance pathway.
Supporting the program will be:
• Eva Cafolla –19/U Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Rushi Patel – 17/U Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Tamara Lidums – 19/U Physiotherapist
• Natasha Symons – 17/U Physiotherapist
With a focus on skill development, physical preparation, and athlete wellbeing, the 2025 Elevate program is set to continue its impact on building a stronger, more competitive netball pathway for Victoria.
For more information about the Elevate program, visit netballvic.com.au.
