Donnell Wallam

Originally from a small country town called Korijekup (Harvey) in Western Australia, Donnell quickly rose to become an international sporting sensation thanks to her exciting and original netball style and her courage in using her voice as a proud Noongar woman to speak out. Donnell grew up playing basketball and football before life took her elsewhere, and she only trialled netball properly for the first time at 24. The following year she went on to dominate the highly competitive WA Netball League and in her first year, won consecutive championships and MVP awards with the West Coast Warriors.

With shooting spots in the Suncorp Super Netball league highly competitive, Donnell moved overseas to prove herself in the UK, playing in the Vitality Super League with the Leeds Rhinos. Overcoming COVID and a broken arm early in the season, Donnell went on to score 483 goals in just 11 games, and won the Fans Player of the Year. She returned to Perth where she was offered a temporary replacement playing contract with the Queensland Firebirds, and after a breakout performance at the SSN pre-season tournament, it turned into her first professional playing contract in the SSN. From here, Donnell continued to impress with her natural flair, silky skills and competitive nature. After just five SSN games, Donnell was named in the extended squad for the Australian Diamonds Commonwealth Games, where she went on to be a training partner.

Donnell realised a dream when she then made her debut for the Australian Diamonds in October 2022 against the England Roses. Donnell entered the game in the 4th quarter with the game on the line. She not only held her own in this debut, but scored the game winning goal on the buzzer in classic Donnell style – a layup. This feat made international headlines, especially as it came after a week of intense media scrutiny after Donnell had raised concerns with comments made by the founder of a potential sponsor.  

Donnell remained with the Queensland Firebirds for the 2023 and 2024 SSN seasons and continued to impress, being the 2nd top scorer in the league. Donnell has moved across the ditch in 2025, linking up with the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Premiership where the team made the Grand Final. In 2026, Donnell is back in the SSN, playing for the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Donnell is very passionate about First Nations matters and mental health, and is an ambassador for Deadly Choices and Diamond Spirit. Donnell’s pathway is netball has been anything but traditional and she is the perfect example for any athlete that sporting progress is not linear, but resilience and continuing to put yourself out there reaps rewards.