Firebirds head coach Kiri Wills watches on during a warm up. Photo: Mark Kolbe Photography / Getty Images
The Queensland Firebirds have extended Kiri Wills' contract through to the end of the 2027 Australian domestic competition, building on the New Zealand coach's original two-year term.
Wills, who joined the Firebirds at the end of last year, became just the second New Zealand head coach in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) competition, when she was appointed on a two-year deal.
Current Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was the first Kiwi to coach in the most competitive league in the world. Dame Noeline coached the Sunshine Coast Lightning for three years, leading them to two titles in 2017 and 2018.
After seven seasons as head coach of the Stars in the ANZ Premiership, Wills felt she had reached a ceiling in New Zealand.
Her first season has been challenging, with the Firebirds sitting at the bottom of the 2025 ladder with four rounds left. The 2.01m tall Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok was a prized signing for the club but has taken a while to adapt in her first season in the league.
The club said the decision to extend Wills' contract underscored the club's commitment to fostering stability and sustaining the transformative systems Wills had implemented since her appointment.
Wills came in after a tumultuous 2024 season for the Firebirds on and off the court.
The Firebirds let go of its coach mid-campaign, amid reports of player unrest. Netball Australia launched an investigation into the Queensland Firebirds after Remi Kamo, who now ironically plays for the Stars, complained that there was a toxic culture at the club.
In March this year the national body said an independent investigator concluded that there were no breaches of the Netball Australia code of conduct and member protection policy by Netball Queensland and its management.
The club said foundational progress was critical to long-term success.
"Kiri has instilled structures and an environment that aligns with our vision for sustained excellence," Netball Queensland chief executive Kate Davies said.
"We recognize that meaningful change requires time, and this extension ensures continuity as we accelerate toward our goals. Kiri's approach has redefined our identity. This decision is a vote of trust in her strategy and our collective future."
Acknowledging on-court results haven't been what she would have wanted, Wills firmly believes that the team is progressing on her ambitions of returning to the top of the SSN in years ahead.
"We're not happy with where we sit on the table, but we've laid a strong foundation," Wills said.
"Our staff and players are fully invested in this vision, and we're determined to finish 2025 with pride - particularly in our final three home games."
The decision to extend Wills' tenure has been welcomed by Firebirds leaders Hulita Veve and Ruby Bakewell-Doran, who praised Wills' impact on the team's culture.
"Kiri has brought so much confidence into this group. She's had our back since the day she arrived," co-captain Veve said.
"Kiri's knowledge of the game is outstanding and she knows netball back to front but my favourite thing about her is the way she's brought us together off the court. That connection piece is something she thrives on.
Bakewell-Doran said Wills impact on the club in the past six months had been significant.
"I can't wait to see what she's able to create with more time under her belt. Her vision, passion and wisdom is next to none and I feel honoured to have her leading us," Bakewell-Doran said.
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