A legend in the game

Netball’s golden girl was born for the big moments. Helen Housby thrives under pressure, feeds on adrenaline, and lives for the thrill of a final-second win. No England fan will ever forget her goal against Australia that clinched the Vitality Roses’ historic gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games – it is burned into our collective memory.

But it was more than just a moment. The win inspired more than 130,000 people to play more netball, and made the Roses household names as their celebratory pile-on and Helen’s jubilant, blue-tongued face graced the covers of national newspapers and captured the hearts of people around the world.

“The 30 minutes after the whistle blows and you’ve won a huge final are the most fun minutes of your life”

Six years on, and the 29-year-old shooter has only racked up more accolades, titles and a glittering array of trophies, firmly securing her spot in netball’s all-time hall of fame.

NORTHERN BEGINNINGS

Born in rural Carlisle and raised on a farm, Helen’s first love was the natural world and she studied Zoology at Manchester University. Despite dreams of a career working in an animal sanctuary, it was her sporting talent that ultimately dictated her path.

Her first club signing was with Manchester Thunder – at just 15 – when the young, promising attacking player was spotted at a North West talent festival and brought under the wings of Karen Greig and Tracey Neville. Helen was committed from the off. Despite the five-hour round trip, five times a week, she never missed a training session.

She joined the team in 2013 and a year later, she had her first taste of glory, leading Thunder to win the Netball Super League in an epic final against rivals Surrey Storm in what would become her signature style – sinking a long-range shot in the dying seconds of the game.

Helen made her debut appearance for the Vitality Roses at 19-years-old, called up to replace an injured Pamela Cookey at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. She was the youngest player to be selected for the squad, and was more than a little awe-struck by the experience. In just a few short years, Helen had gone from taking an excited fan selfie with Jo Harten, to sharing a room with her at one of the biggest netball competitions on the global calendar.

She describes her first taste of international netball as “nervous” and “shaky”, but the experience was invaluable and formed a foundational point for her improvement over the next few years. The more court time Helen got, the more her confidence grew, and soon she was going from strength to strength. She hit the impressive milestone of a century of games for the NSW Swifts in 2022.

“I’ve always loved pressure. I think it brings out the best or worst in you… But you can train for it. I had great coaches who would instil belief that you want the ball in pressure moments. You either back away from it, or you be the person that stands up.”

A LIFE DOWN UNDER

As much as she loves the North West, and will always have a strong affinity with Manchester (as an avid Manchester United and David Beckham fan her connection to the northern city is solid), the rest of the world was calling for Helen.

After shining in a three-match series against Australia in January 2016, Helen received an email from the New South Wales Swifts. Needless to say, the Aussies were interested in her potential. So, in 2017 she made the leap down under to play for the Swifts, where she found more than just a new netball club, she found a home.

“ The Swifts was a lways a dream because of the club, their history and location. I never really looked back once I got that contract offer.”

Moving to the other side of the world at just 21 was daunting, but Helen has always been outgoing and took it in her stride. She slotted seamlessly into the Swifts’ diverse group of athletes and soon found that she relished the challenge of a relentless Australian training schedule.

Her new routine included daily ice baths, strength training and plenty of socialising and bonding with her new team. The club’s focus on excellence and discipline has always suited Helen, and last year she signed a new contract that will keep her at the Swifts until 2026.

A STAR IS BORN

With a following of more than 190,000 on Instagram, Helen is one of the most well-known netballers on the planet, and she uses social media to share snapshots of her life both on and off the court, with glimpses of glamorous nights out, sun-drenched travel snaps, and heartwarming moments with her beloved family and her rescue cat Roger.

Helen’s fans know her for her genuine warmth, her goofy sense of humour, and, of course, her legendary dance moves. Who can forget her viral moment of nailing a TikTok routine to a Lizzo track right on the third-line as she waited for the next centre pass?

A REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION TO NETBALL

To mark Helen’s success, longevity and her incredible dedication to netball, she was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire [MBE] as part of the King’s New Year’s Honours list for 2024. A fitting achievement for a woman who has given so much to the sport we love. And she responded on Twitter in true Helen style:

“Extremely humbled to be awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List. Thankful for my journey so far & for everyone who’s played their part in it. But yes you will have to curtsy to me from now on.”