In a significant announcement, Netball Scotland has confirmed the resignation of Karen Atkinson, the Performance Director who has been instrumental in shaping the future of Scottish netball.

A Legacy of Growth and Development

Karen’s leadership over the last four and a half years has revolutionised Netball Scotland’s performance strategies. The remarkable growth of the performance programme and pathways under her guidance is a hallmark of her tenure.

Reflections from Karen Atkinson

Karen shares her heartfelt thoughts on leaving, emphasising the collective effort in elevating Netball Scotland’s status. Her journey, marked by strategic development and collaborative success, sets a high benchmark for future leadership.

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave my role as Performance Director at Netball Scotland. I have thoroughly enjoyed my four and a half years working with the governing body and leading the performance strategy. The performance programme and the pathway have grown and developed beyond recognition, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Netball Scotland staff, the Performance team, Scottish Institute of Sport support staff, volunteer coaches, and all the athletes involved. It has been a pleasure to work with all the staff, stakeholders, and athletes to raise the standards and provide Scotland with a solid foundation by which they can continue to grow.”

Commendations from Netball Scotland Leadership

Lucy Faulkner, Chair of Netball Scotland says, “It’s always sad when we lose treasured members of staff and Karen leaving is a tough one. We are so grateful to Karen for sharing her powerful vision for what we could achieve and for putting strong foundations in place so we can continue to work towards this vision.  A consummate professional, who has delivered with pride and passion to inspire so many people to believe they can be even better in our sport,  I wish Karen good luck and wish her well in her new role.”

Ken Hay, Interim CEO says, “Karen has been an invaluable asset to Netball Scotland, bringing expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to the sport. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on the sport in Scotland, setting a high standard for future endeavours. On behalf of the whole team, we express our deepest gratitude to Karen for her tireless dedication and significant contributions to Netball Scotland. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations within Scottish netball.”

Their testimonials highlight her visionary approach and the lasting impact of her contributions.

Moving Forward

Karen’s resignation comes in the wake of her international relocation and a shift towards balancing her professional career with family life. Her new venture, while away from netball, promises to continue her trajectory of excellence and innovation.

Karen Atkinson’s tenure at Netball Scotland will be remembered as a transformative era. As she embarks on new challenges, the organisation and its members look forward to building upon the strong foundations she has laid.

As the Netball World Cup approaches, the spotlight is shining on the talented athletes who will be competing on the international stage. One name that stands out among the rising stars is Emily Nicholl, Scottish international netballer known for her relentless playing style and unwavering determination. In an exclusive interview, Emily reveals her insights and experiences, offering a glimpse into her development as both an athlete and a person.

Reflecting on the opportunities that have shaped her career, Emily acknowledges the significance of major competitions such as the Commonwealth Games. “I think a lot of the girls have now been to a Commonwealth Games, which is a really good opportunity,” she shares. “But the World Cup is different. All the focus is on netball, and there are lots of fans who just want to see the netballers. It’s important to stay within your group and focus on the day-to-day tasks, rather than getting ahead of yourself and thinking about who we might be playing.”

When asked about her growth as an athlete, Emily emphasizes the profound impact of mental changes alongside the physical ones. Her journey began with a pivotal moment when Tamsin Greenway, head coach for Scottish Thistles, urged her to introduce herself as an athlete first. “That totally flipped a switch for me and changed the way I live my life,” Emily reveals. This change in perspective drives her standards day in and day out, empowering her to become a formidable force on the court.

Emily also highlights the growth in game intelligence within the Scottish squad. Drawing on the lessons learned from the Commonwealth Games, she expresses pride in the team’s progress. “We’ve become a lot smarter in how we play the game,” she states confidently. The combination of experience and learning has equipped them to excel in pressure moments and make strategic decisions on the court.

In a rare opportunity, Nicholl spent 3 weeks training with SSN Champions West Coast Fever at the end of last year. From her time with the Fever, she absorbed the importance of intensity and training at 100% in every moment. The dedication of her teammates, always pushing themselves to the limit, made a lasting impression. Emily admits that she and her Scottish teammates are striving to bring this level of intensity into their own environment.

From a coaching perspective, Tamsin Greenway has instilled in Emily the value of being a student of the game. The relentless pursuit of improvement and the understanding that success is not solely based on physical abilities have transformed Emily’s approach. The strength of the team lies not only in individual talents but also in the unity and strategic planning that Tamsin emphasises.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Emily conveys the squad’s aspirations. Although it is the first World Cup for many, it marks the second major championship under Tamsin’s guidance. With a competitive mindset, the Scottish team is determined to challenge the 5th-8th bracket. “There’s no reason why we can’t do that,” Emily asserts confidently. Their journey begins with a match against Malawi, where they aim to showcase their prowess and secure a victory.

Emily Nicholl represents the future of Scottish netball, a determined athlete committed to continuous growth and success. As she prepares to take the court at the Netball World Cup, all eyes will be on this rising star, whose unwavering spirit and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring netballers worldwide.