Credit: England Netball
The Hartpury Netball Academy has once again demonstrated its dominance in netball, by winning the U19 National Schools Finals and securing back-to-back championship glory.
The squad, packed with dedicated and talented netball players, showcased exceptional performance and teamwork throughout the competition. With 164 goals, Hartpury set a record for the highest number of goals scored during a National Schools final.
Hartpury’s day consisted of nine impressive victories and just one loss:
- Round 1: 23-6 win against Repton School
- Round 2: 17-5 win against Wellington College
- Round 3: 20-11 win against Barking Abbey
- Round 4: 15-20 loss to Berkhamsted
- Round 5: 12-7 win against Solihull School
- Round 6: 11-10 win against Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form
- Round 7: 21-16 win against Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
- Round 8: 28-5 win against Bede Sixth Form
- Semi-final: 14-6 win against Millfield
- Final: 20-11 win against Berkhamsted
The team, led by Jess Hollingberry (A-levels), included:
- Neve Marsden (A-levels)
- Lois Saunders-Cook (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Fitness))
- Lottie Lewis (A-levels)
- Lily Rutland (A-levels)
- Maddy Sims (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (PE and Coaching))
- Eva Whitmore (A-levels)
- Imogen Baxter (A-levels)
- Awen Davies (Level 3 Extended Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science))
- Ella Bloomfield-Bowmaker (A-levels)
- Millie White (A-levels)
- Amelie McCormack (Level 3 Extended Diploma (Sport and Exercise Science))
Holly Duerden, Netball Academy Manager at Hartpury University and College said: “The girls were outstanding both in their on-court performances and the culture they have off the court also shone through. Being a state college, we are constantly working on a one to two-year cycle of athletes who are eligible to complete in this competition so it’s important for us to be able to build connections and team values quickly so we can hit the ground running.
“Our ball speed and ability to work together on the day was admirable, much to the delight of the commentators. We head into a low-intensity period before preparing for College Nationals, Premier League finals, and National Cup semi-finals. We’re feeling optimistic.”
Students who are part of the Netball Academy learn from seasoned coaches who hold qualifications and experience at the national and international levels, all while actively participating in the UK Netball Super League (NSL). Coaches help students to train and complete while they study. As a current Team Bath Athlete Development Centre and home to players from various NSL franchises and the Welsh Pathway, the Netball Academy is equipped to support both franchise and pathway choices, with guidance provided to optimise netball career success.
