Culture to Conditioning, Inside the Queensland Suns High Performance Program

Since stepping into the High Performance Director (HPD) role in August 2022, Tracey Jeanes-Fraser has played a transformative role in shaping the future of the Queensland Suns’ Men's and Mixed netball program, both on and off the court. 

Tracey’s leadership has not only strengthened our competitive edge but also helped solidify a strong identity and cultural foundation for the Suns. A passionate advocate for a “one squad” mentality, Tracey has championed transparency, leadership development, and values-driven performance across all levels of the program, from emerging talent to our open men’s representatives. 

Under her guidance, the Queensland Suns have seen: 

• Greater investment in the development of coaches and support staff; 

• A clear and intentional focus on leadership pathways, particularly within our captain group and Open Men’s division; 

• The integration of Suns-specific values and culture, building a legacy for future generations to carry forward; 

• The elevation of athletes into the National Performance Program, with Tracey’s insight from AMMNA pathways helping better prepare our athletes for the next level. 

“We’re proud to have Tracey at the helm of our high-performance program,” said Queensland Suns President Darren Gillespie. “Her vision has helped us embed a culture that goes beyond wins and losses. She understands the human side of sport, that performance is personal, and she’s ensured that our systems support not just athlete output, but athlete wellbeing and long-term development.” 

One of Tracey’s most significant contributions over the past year has been the implementation of a comprehensive new strength and conditioning program. Built on data-led testing and tailored athlete profiles, the program provides deeper insight into key performance indicators such as acceleration, deceleration, and strength. It also allows coaches to better understand how to match physical attributes with on-court skills, arming both players and staff with the tools to elevate performance and reduce injury risk. 

“It’s not just about running a beep test or ticking boxes,” Tracey said in early planning sessions. “It’s about understanding each athlete as a whole, combining physical metrics with skillsets and supporting them in their individual growth.” 

Equally impactful has been the revision of the Queensland Suns trial and selection structure. Tracey is leading a shift toward a multi-phase model that includes gameplay assessments, fitness testing, and targeted skill evaluation. This format enables selectors to make more informed decisions while giving athletes a greater opportunity to showcase their full potential over time. 

Importantly, the revised trial process has placed renewed focus on regional development. By sending coaches into North Queensland to run clinics and build local relationships, Tracey and the team are ensuring talented athletes outside the Southeast Queensland area receive the exposure and opportunities they deserve, and that the Suns continue to uncover and nurture the next wave of emerging talent. 

In planning for the future, Tracey has also led a review of squad depth across age groups, identifying key recruitment timelines and athlete trajectories. From identifying who could be the next “Kelpies” to assessing long-term squad balance, her strategic lens ensures the Suns remain competitive for years to come. 

"Being part of the growth and evolution of men’s netball in Queensland has been an absolute privilege. Leading the Queensland Suns program has allowed me to witness first-hand the dedication, resilience, and passion our athletes bring to the sport. To guide a high-performance environment where athlete development and team excellence go hand in hand has been incredibly rewarding. 

Over the years, we've built more than just competitive teams — we've cultivated a culture grounded in hard work, respect, and pride in representing our state. Watching our players grow as athletes and as people, rising to new challenges and setting higher standards, has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of this role. 

Our continued focus on player development, strong team culture, and competitive excellence is laying a lasting foundation for the future of men’s netball in Queensland. I’m proud of what we've achieved, and even more excited about where this program is headed.”  - Tracey Jeanes-Fraser