Netball Victoria is deeply saddened by the recent passing of a beloved member of the netball community, Joy Grubb, whose legacy in our sport leaves an everlasting mark.
Joy's passion, dedication and commitment to our game inspired generations of netball participants across a career that spanned many decades.
Her netball journey began early in life, and Joy proudly represented Tasmania in both the State Touring and Southern Tasmanian teams. Her athletic prowess also extended to athletics; she represented Tasmania as a talented sprinter and earned a well-deserved life membership at the Sandy Bay Athletic Club.
In 1973 Joy made the move to Ballarat, and in 1979 she settled in Geelong, where she would go on to have an unparalleled impact on the netball community. Her influence was felt far and wide, with both the Drysdale Football Netball Club and the Bellarine & District Netball Association establishing awards in her honour.
Joy's association with the Barwon Region dated back to its inception, coaching their representative teams at the Netball Victoria State Titles from 1980 to 2004, and her dedication was celebrated with the prestigious Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and the Vic Sport Regional Award for Sports Leadership in 2004.
As a coach, Joy achieved a remarkable 10 premierships with the Pleiades Netball Club and six with the Bejays Netball Club. For a decade, she also served as head coach of the Altona Lightning.
Her coaching talents extended beyond the club level, as she mentored 21/Under and Open state players, as well as 21/Under Australian team members. Joy was also involved in umpiring, holding a C Grade badge. Her influence extended to the academic world, where she served as a lecturer at Deakin University and associate lecturer at the Ballarat College of Advanced Education.
Joy received Netball Victoria Life Membership in 2000 and she was inducted into the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame in 2007; each a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable achievements.
Joy's legacy and impact on the Victorian netball community is immeasurable, and her contribution to our sport will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Our thoughts are with Joy's family, friends, and her wider community as we mourn her loss.
Awards & Achievements
1989 – Netball Victoria Distinction Award nominee
1991 – Bellarine & District Netball Association Award for dedication and service
1993 – Australian Sports Award for commitment and contribution to junior sport
1994 – Coach of the Year nominee, Barwon Region
1995 – Netball Victoria Distinction Award; Netball Victoria True Sport Award for services to netball; St Georges Bank Spirit of Sport Award; Barwon Region Coach Education Award
1996 – Barwon Region Sports Assembly Coach Recognition Award
2000 – Netball Victoria Life Membership; Australian Sports Medal
2004 – Vic Sports Award for Regional Sports Leadership; Sport and Recreation Industry Awards – Volunteer Involvement finalist
2007 – Netball Victoria Hall of Fame
