McLeod Debuts at Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar

New Zealand umpire McLeod is set to make her international debut at the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar, officiating the tournament that begins on October 1, 2023. She joins fellow Kiwi umpires Zak Middleton, Cory Nicholls, Myron Elkington, and Tania Fink as part of the officiating team for this prestigious event featuring under-21 teams from around the world.

McLeod, who has been a part of the high-pressure environment of the ANZ Premiership since 2018, is no stranger to international competition, having previously umpired at events such as the Pacific Series. The upcoming tournament includes 20 teams, with participants like Malawi, Tonga, Singapore, and her home country, New Zealand. This opportunity to oversee a diverse array of playing styles has heightened her enthusiasm.

New Challenges and Excitement

“From one game to the next, you’re going to come across new styles of play, so that’s really exciting for me,” McLeod remarked. She highlighted the unpredictability that comes with officiating young athletes, stating, “The under-21s, they’re still quite young. There’s the unpredictability of their play as well… every game you don’t know what you’re going to get.”

McLeod’s journey into umpiring started later in life. Approximately 15 years ago, while helping to officiate a local match, she caught the attention of former Australian international umpire Paula Ferguson. Ferguson encouraged her to pursue umpiring more seriously, reaching out to renowned New Zealand umpire coach Colleen Bond to mentor McLeod. “The rest is history,” McLeod said, reflecting on how Ferguson’s belief in her potential changed her career trajectory.

Bond’s mentorship has been pivotal for McLeod, who credits her support as instrumental in her rise through the ranks. “She just believed in me and that made me believe in myself,” McLeod noted, expressing gratitude for the encouragement she received. “I certainly would not be here today if it were not for her.”

Commitment to Growth and Community

Since beginning her journey in the ANZ Premiership, McLeod has embraced the challenges posed by high-performance sport. “It’s got its challenges… but I have found that I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of that along the way,” she stated. Her dedication to excellence extends beyond officiating; she strives to showcase players effectively and create enjoyable experiences for spectators.

Beyond her role in officiating, McLeod treasures the relationships she has built within the sport. “I’ve made some life-long friends… that’s definitely what keeps you going is the people,” she said, underscoring the importance of camaraderie in her journey. Her commitment to her local community in Queenstown remains strong as she continues to umpire local games and mentor junior officials.

McLeod believes in the potential of aspiring umpires, emphasizing that geographic location should not deter anyone from chasing their dreams. “If you have the drive and determination, you can make it happen. It’s no barrier to actually getting to where you want to go if you want it enough,” she said, reflecting on her own experiences.

Among the athletes representing New Zealand at the Youth World Cup is Ella Southby, a shooter from the University-Albion team, alongside club-mate Alice Cocker, who will compete for Tonga. Additional players from the Southern Steel, including Serina Daunakamakama and vice-captain Khayne-Lii’ Munro-Nonoa, are also set to participate, showcasing the depth of talent from New Zealand.

As the tournament unfolds, McLeod’s debut as an umpire at this world stage marks a significant milestone in her career, promising an exciting week of netball for players, officials, and fans alike.