Held every March 31 since 2009, the day has been set up as a celebration of pride and awareness, while aiming to recognise trans and gender-diverse achievements. Wallace-Joseph, a two-time NSW Swifts champion, shared a clickbait headline from a Canadian outlet that insinuated United States President Joe Biden had "declared" Easter Sunday would be the recurring day for International Transgender Day of Visibility moving forward.
"The disrespect is crazy. Don't play with God," Wallace captioned an Instagram story.
The day's crossover with Easter this year was used by some to criticise the United States president and suggest he was co-opting a religious holiday to promote trans rights. Fans criticised Wallace-Joseph's post and pointed out the misleading nature of the headline, but the Trinidad and Tobago shooter doubled down.
"I'm not hating on people, if you know me you will understand … I have heaps of gay friends and am not judging anyone on their gender," she wrote in a X, formerly Twitter, post.
Wallace-Joseph also confirmed she still planned to play in the NSW Swifts Pride Match in May. The Instagram story and relevant tweets have since been deleted after intervention from the Super Netball club, which distanced itself from her comments.
"The NSW Swifts are aware of a social media post that has caused understandable hurt to members of the transgender community," a statement read.
"The views expressed in the post are not shared by the club. The club spoke with Samantha raising its concerns. It is important to note that Samantha listened and will meet us tomorrow," it added.
The Super Netball league also issued a similar release, reinstating its commitment to "embrace diversity and ensure the sport is welcoming and safe for everyone who wants to participate", while it works closely with the Swifts regarding the sport's code of conduct.
As a Grand Final MVP in 2019, Wallace played a pivotal role in securing two Swifts Premiership titles (2019 & 2021) and has proudly represented her home country at two World Cups and the Commonwealth Games.
Before her injury in 2022, Wallace notched up an impressive 77 appearances for the Swifts over five seasons, earning a reputation as one of the game's finest and most entertaining shooters, both under the post and from range.
Head coach Briony Akle acknowledged the emotional significance of Wallace's return, emphasizing the challenges of recovering from complex knee injuries. Briony expressed confidence in Wallace's potential to reclaim her status as the premier goal shooter in the game, praising her proven ability at the highest level.
“Having had so much heartache over the past two seasons, I know it will be an extra-special moment when Sammy steps on court in front of our home fans for the first time. She has a proven ability at this level, and I think she can be the greatest goal shooter in our game again,” Akle said.
Wallace herself expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her recovery, acknowledging the moments of doubt and the resilience of the Swifts community.
“I’m not gonna lie, there were times when I thought it may have been the end for me, but so many people at the Swifts helped me through, and I will be grateful to them forever.”
Despite being unable to play in the past two seasons, Wallace always felt a part of the Club, crediting the kindness of the medical staff and the unwavering support of teammates, coaches, and fans.
“Even though I wasn’t able to play over the past two seasons, I always felt part of the Club, both on game day and in the community, and the medical staff who looked after me were so kind.”
Reflecting on the last full game she played in the 2021 Grand Final win, Wallace sees it as a motivating force, driving her determination to return to peak performance.
“Before getting injured, the last full game I played was the 2021 Grand Final win, and that happy memory is a driving force for me.”
While acknowledging the challenges posed by formidable opponents, Wallace is confident in her understanding of the game's fundamentals and her ability to contribute strategically.
“I know it won’t be easy because there are so many brilliant players that you come up against, but the basics of the game, and how to read it, have not changed. I want my smarts to help me while I get up to speed.”
Daystar Swift and Khalifa McCollin have been stranded in Barbados for the past month after attempting to return home after their debut season in the Suncorp Super League in Australia.
They were awaiting their final travel documents from the TT Government to return home. Since the pandemic began, TT closed its borders to all commercial flights. Persons wishing to gain entry to the island first have to receive special exemption documentation that will allow them entry into the island.
Meantime, they have been staying with a fellow netballer in Barbados but they are reportedly running out of cash.
“It’s really tough because we have to purchase our own food, pay for transportation and funds are running low,” McCollin told Trinidadian newspaper Newsday.
Butcher told Sportsmax.TV that the association has reached out to government in the hope that the relevant authorities will expedite the documentation the players need to return home.
“TTNA has been working behind the scenes and has made representation to Government on their behalf. We are hoping and praying that they will be back on the next official flight from Barbados,” the president said.
The players have been frustrated as their attempts to get home have been met mainly with silence from the relevant authorities.
“We’re only getting automated responses saying our message was received. Nothing else after that, no updates, no acknowledgement of our letters, nothing,” they said.
The 34-year-old shooter has been a player for the West Coast Fever since 2018 and led the team to the league title in 2022. She is excited about the coming season when she will be joined by two of her teammates from Jamaica's Sunshine Girls.
“2024 is going to be another amazing season with the Green Army behind us, we're going to do amazing things," said the Fever's leading scorer in the past five years.
“The addition of Shanice Beckford and Kadie-Ann Dehaney is going to be massive for Fever and I can't wait for the Green Army to see them in action. I have such a great connection with both Shanice and Kadie-Ann, to have three Sunshine Girls at Fever is honestly a dream come true.
“Round One cannot come quick enough. I’m super excited to be back on board for 2024 and can't wait to play in front of the Green Army at RAC Arena again.”
Head Coach Dan Ryan was thrilled Fowler would continue her journey with the Club.
“Jhaniele has so much more netball ahead of her and I know she will be even more dominant. She’s so hungry to keep improving her game and achieve more team success.
“She’s a champion and a hugely respected leader so I know she’s going to play a key role in helping build our familiar but fresh-looking team.”
Fever have signed Beckford on one-year contract, and she will arrive in Perth in the new year.
“It’s always been my dream to play netball in the best league in the world so to become part of such a wonderful netball family at West Coast Fever and to play in front of the Green Army will be truly an honour for me,” Beckford said.
“I know there is so much that I can learn in this new environment, while at the same time, I know that I have a lot to bring to the table including a ‘never say die’ winning attitude and a good work ethic.”
Ryan said Beckford was a world class goal attack who the Green Army are going to love.
“Shanice has speed to burn, she’s crafty, accurate and the ultimate workhorse. Her combination with Jhaniele will be one to watch and I think she’s going to add real x-factor to our attack,” Ryan said.
“She’s been such a consistent performer for the Sunshine Girls for the past decade and is one of the unsung heroes of world netball. I really believe her best is yet to come.”
Dehaney crosses over to Fever from the Sunshine Coast Lightning and will partner Sunday Aryang and Fran Williams in defence for the next two seasons.
“I’m super excited and grateful for this opportunity to head over to the West and play for West Coast Fever,” Dehaney said.
“I’m also looking forward to playing with my Jamaican teammates Jhaniele and Shanice on the SSN stage in front of the Green Army at RAC Arena.”
Ryan said Dehaney was an aggressive hunting defender who can win the ball in every way possible.
“Kadie-Ann has so much untapped potential and is absolutely ready to stamp her authority on this league. I truly believe this is her time to do it,” Ryan said.
“She’s got great height, range and her ability to confuse the space and cause some chaos is really impressive. She will fit our style of play and structures really nicely and with a few familiar faces in the team, I can really see her thriving in the Fever environment.”
