Maiava Fia’ailetoa Shantel Netzler Appointed as First Pacific Islander to Lead QSport

A Samoan woman who found resilience through athletics has broken new ground in international sports administration. Maiava Fia’ailetoa Shantel Netzler has been appointed as the first Pacific Islander to head QSport, an organisation that represents sporting bodies across Queensland, Australia. The milestone was highlighted on Wednesday 28 October 2026, during an interview on the ABC’s Sistas Let's Talk program. In her new capacity, Netzler is tasked with collaborating with government agencies and athletic clubs to enhance sports leadership, community programming, and governance. QSport serves as an essential hub for the region’s sporting groups, providing the infrastructure and advocacy necessary to sustain diverse athletic communities. Netzler described her role as helping to "keep the lights on" for these organisations, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive. Speaking with presenter Natasha Meten, Netzler reflected on how her upbringing in Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, and American Samoa shaped her leadership style. Growing up in a multi-generational household, she credited her "village"—including her great-grandmothers and grandparents—for providing a rich foundation. Though she describes herself as a "late bloomer" who once avoided running, she eventually turned to sports like netball, touch rugby, and basketball as an outlet during challenging personal times, such as her parents' divorce. Netzler’s journey from a young athlete in Samoa to a top executive in Australia serves as a testament to the power of sport in developing leadership skills. She noted that her education in Samoa, combined with the lessons of belonging learned on the field, prepared her for this historic appointment. Her work now focuses on driving the future of sport across Queensland, ensuring that the benefits of participation are accessible to all communities.