NATIONAL LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW: GLASGOW UNIVERSITY
13th January 2026
Fresh start, early alarms: Glasgow University Netball set for National League challenge.
After a tough campaign last season, Glasgow University Netball are embracing a reset – with a new coach, new faces, and a renewed commitment that starts well before most alarms go off.
Claire Wilson has been in post for around two and a half months, and says the early signs are encouraging as the squad builds towards the National League.
“I’ve been working with Glasgow for about two and a half months, so we’re still building relationships and getting to know each other,” Wilson said. “The sessions have been fabulous. They’ve been working really well – and the group have been inspired with the changes, on and off court. There’s something different this year.”
New faces, familiar ambition
As with any university programme, change is part of the cycle – but Wilson believes this year’s mix could be a real strength.
“Some players have moved up in terms of development, and new players have come to the club as well, which is really exciting,” she explained. “It’s a young squad with some experience, and some real talent.”
Asked if any one player stands out, Wilson kept the focus on collective progress – and on building a team that can thrive in a demanding league.
“They’re the right sort of players to be successful in the National League,” she said. “Some of the younger players have come through the national pathway and have had experience at that level before. For me, it’s about getting the opportunity to put structures and strategy in place – a whole team, a whole seven on court – rather than singling out individuals.”
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Homework starts now
Preparation matters even more in a short season, and Wilson is clear about what it will take to be competitive from the first whistle.
With a pre-season day offering the chance to see opponents up close, the group has already been set tasks.
“The players have had some homework in terms of what they need to go and do,” she said. “We’re preparing for the other teams and making sure we’re ready to go.”
That urgency is sharpened by the schedule.
“It’s only seven matches and there’s no real easy game,” Wilson added. “You’ve got to be ready to go from round one.”
Commitment you can see at 7am
For Wilson, the biggest shift so far has been the group’s appetite to move on from last year – and the standards they’re setting for themselves, even when the wider student timetable is packed.
“I’m really happy with what I’ve seen in just over two and a half months,” she said. “They’re committed and they’re talented. They’re giving themselves something to think about, but they are absolutely up for it.”
She points to the environment as a key foundation.
“It’s a really positive environment to be in. They back each other,” she said. “The squad are balancing commitments like medical placements – and turning up at seven o’clock in the morning is certainly impressive.”
Leadership: calm, clear, and accountable
Wilson also believes the leadership group will be crucial in tight National League contests – not just when things are going well, but when momentum turns.
“The biggest thing is supporting each other, and knowing they will back each other up when things aren’t going well,” she said. “One of the things I’ve asked is how they react in the moment – and taking responsibility on court.”
This season is a new chapter for the captain too.
“It’s Katie (Robertson)’s first year as captain,” Wilson said. “She’s relaxed, calm and composed – but also clear in terms of what she asks.”
The tone is set
From Wilson’s perspective, the mission is clear: build connections, embed a style, and make sure the squad are ready to compete – not later in the season, but immediately.
With early mornings, shared standards, and a leadership group determined to set the tone, Glasgow University Netball are chasing more than results this year. They’re chasing a response.
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“It’s almost like a fresh start”
For the playing group, the idea of a “rebound” has become a shared theme.
Newly appointed Captain Katie Robertson described a renewed sense of belief.
“We’ve got a lot of new people this year and a new coach, so everything is pretty new – which is exciting,” she said. “Last year we had a bit of a rough year, but we’ve come back this year feeling like we can compete against these other teams.”
She added: “Claire used the word ‘rebound’ – and it is. Last year was tough, so different personnel and different team members… it’s almost like a fresh start.”
Another leader within the team, Martha Steel, says the squad has quickly bought into the change.
“The difference is noticeable already – I think she’s great,” Steel said. “I feel like the team are buying into this fresh new set-up. We all just love netball and want to get better this year – and the bond of the team… I think we can do it with this new coach.”
Building momentum across competitions
While National League is the major focus, the group’s confidence has also been shaped by early performances elsewhere.
Orla O’Shea said the team has shown promising form in BUCS and local competition.
“Last year was a challenge for everyone,” she said. “But we’ve shown it in some of our BUCS games so far this year – and in some of the Glasgow league games. The girls have had some really good performances, and we want to continue that.”
Balancing studies and performance remain the reality – but it’s one the group is choosing to embrace.
“University is busy, so it’s a commitment,” O’Shea said. “Mornings or evenings – it’s every single day. We chose to commit, and the whole squad has a similar mindset, which is a great position to be in.”
With a pre-season day offering valuable minutes before the league begins, she sees it as an important checkpoint.
“I think it’s critical,” she said. “It’ll be good to get a run-out before we start the proper league games – because you don’t have a lot of room for slips or mistakes. You’ve got to start well.”
