WHEN it comes to harnessing netball talent in the Port Stephens region, they don’t come more passionate than evergreen volunteer Samantha Rumbel.

After three decades of distinguished service as a decorated administrative officer for both the Dungog and Port Stephens Netball Associations, super efficient Sam continues to foster aspiring netballers across the Hunter.

Most weekends you will find the dedicated official tutoring juniors on the game’s finer points and supporting learning umpires during fixtures at the Raymond Terrace courts or assisting local clubs in general.

The NSW Netball fraternity applaud her latest milestone in receiving life membership of the Port Stephens Netball Association that marks 35 years of sterling service to the sport she loves.

A proud Sam accepted the award from president Jodi Cassar at the Association’s recent AGM.

It is a second life membership for the current secretary of Hunter Netball, who was previously honoured by the Dungog Netball Association after 20 years of exemplary service.

“This is a deserved honour for Sam who has given so much to netball in the Hunter region over the years,” a delighted Cassar told News Of The Area.

“She is a great ambassador for the sport and one of the hardest working officials you will ever meet,” reflected Jodi.

Sam first became involved with netball in a coaching role when eldest daughter Emma was introduced to the game as a five-year-old in the small Dungog Association.

She was later appointed Treasurer and served ten years as Association President before helping transfer ten local teams to the nearby Port Stephens Netball Association winter competitions.

With her vast experience the respected Rumbel has proved a valuable acquisition to Port Stephens Netball in a variety of roles over the past fifteen years.

Sam has served eight years as Rep Convenor, managed several Association rep teams at Junior and Senior State Carnivals and helped prepare the triumphant Hunter-Central Coast representative side that won the inaugural Regional State Cup in 2022.

The Dungog stalwart was also appointed Team Manager of last year’s Hunter-Central Coast State Cup representative squad – another fine achievement.

It remains a family affair with daughters Emma and Jessica still involved with the sport as qualified umpires and coaches in the PSNA.

Emma, a former Hunter Flyers captain in the Metro Netball League, has retired as a player but devotes her time to developing young netballers while nineteen year old Jessica has been appointed coach of the Port Stephens 14yrs representative team and assistant coach to Nadine Marsh with the 15yrs squad to compete at the Junior State titles in Penrith and Baulkham Hills from July 6-8.

By Chris KARAS