The Hartpury Netball Academy is celebrating yet again, after its college team beat Barking Abbey 53-37 in the National Cup Final on Thursday 1 May. Hartpury secured their place in the final of this knockout competition, by beating Hartlepool in a home semi-final earlier in the season.
The team has now won the ‘quad’ for the second year running, having also taken the National Premiership League, National Schools Finals, and National College Championship.
Performing the ‘quad’ last year has seemingly brought about an influx of high-quality student players who were keen to join the programme for 2025 and beyond.
The squad, packed with dedicated and talented netball players, showcased exceptional performance and team spirit.
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: “We knew coming into this fixture against Barking Abbey that it would be a tough challenge, having already faced them three times this season. It was a tightly contested game throughout, but through some smart decision-making and tactical adjustments, we managed to edge ahead and secure the win. The girls have put in an incredible amount of work this year, and to come away as double quad winners is the perfect reward – a fantastic way to send off our second-year students. We’ll take the time to celebrate and enjoy a well-earned rest, but we’re fully aware that the challenge only grows from here. Preparations for pre-season start now.”
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.
