Fourteen Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander players have been selected to represent Queensland at the 2026 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC), set to take place in Darwin from 5-8 August.
The annual four-day event celebrates the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while bringing together hundreds of First Nations young people from across Australia through tennis, education and wellbeing.
Queensland's team earned selection following a series of regional lead-in events held across the state, providing young First Nations players with opportunities to develop their tennis skills and strengthen connections within their communities.
The team heads to Darwin looking to build on Queensland's outstanding success at the 2025 carnival, at which the state was crowned champions of the prestigious Ash Barty Cup.
Featuring a blend of returning representatives and exciting new faces, the 2026 Queensland team will compete across the carnival's two competitive event pathways, with cumulative results contributing towards the Ash Barty Cup. More than just a tennis tournament, the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival provides an opportunity for young First Nations players to celebrate culture, forge lifelong friendships and learn from inspiring role models. The carnival continues to be a highlight on the national tennis calendar, fostering connection, confidence and pride - both on and off the court.
Tennis Queensland First Nations Lead Aunty Roma Pregarc said the carnival continued to play a vital role in developing the next generation of First Nations tennis players.
"The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival stands as the premier event on the Indigenous tennis pathway in Australia, celebrating First Nations cultures through the sport both on and off the court,” she said.
"It's always inspiring to witness the next generation of First Nations tennis players emerging through the NITC, showing how our game continues to grow stronger each year.
"Congratulations to all the Queensland participants selected – I'm confident they will make their state proud."
Congratulations to all players selected to represent Queensland at the 2026 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival. We wish the team every success as they proudly represent Queensland, their communities and their cultures on the national stage.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS TENNIS CARNIVAL GIRLS & BOYS SHOWDOWNS (18&U)
Sophia Kawane | Cairns |
Laylah Shawcross | Brisbane |
Lucca Toby | Gold Coast |
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS TENNIS CARNIVAL GIRLS & BOYS SHOWDOWNS (14&U)
Preston Shawcross | Brisbane |
Jarel Jervis McGuigan | Rockhampton |
Kenny McIntosh | Brisbane |
Tallara Noon | Brisbane |
Monica Bartsch | Rockhampton |
FUTURE STARS
Mya Freeman | Townsville |
Billy Brickwood | Brisbane |
Bella Merrick-Reily | Brisbane |
Aliviah Dodd | Brisbane |
Tora-Lyn Namok | Cairns |
Maison Whittington | Cairns |