Q & A: Shorter netballers at the top of their game

Harriet Millard

If you are a shorter netballer wanting to make it to the top of the game, or simply to play your game, this read is for you.

Image credits left to right: Bradley Collyer, AAP, John Davidson

For many shorter players, height can feel like a barrier before even stepping onto the court. An unspoken message in netball is that taller players have an advantage. But Wales’ Bethan Dyke, Australia’s Georgie Horjus, and New Zealand’s Kimiora Poi are proof that there is more than one way to succeed.

All stand under 5ft 8, all are captains of their clubs, and all play for their national teams. But another common denominator is that all have done it by backing different personal attributes.

We asked Kimiora, Georgie and Bethan a few questions:

Were you ever told you’d be too short to succeed in netball? 

KP: "Yes I was when I didn't make a rep team when I was younger."

GH: "No, I was never directly told but I was moved to WA in U17 which felt a bit like I was being told I was too short. This gave me even more determination to play GA."

BD: "No, I was never directly told I was too short to succeed in Netball, but I was always very aware that I was not the tallest player on court. I grew up playing GA, and did recognise that everyone was taller than me, particularly in the circle, so that’s when I started playing more WA. I was very fortunate to have teachers, coaches and teammates who focused on what I could bring to the team and never saw my size as a limit on how far I could go. I always tried to see it as one of my strengths!"

What do you deem your own personal strengths to be, and how have you made them your advantage?

KP: “My strengths would be my speed, agility, and my fitness and endurance.”

GH: “I think one of my strengths is my smarts on court as well as my timing. I can't use my height and I don’t think I am that quick so I have to use my head instead. Also having lots of tools in the tool kit to shoot over tall defenders like step backs and fakes.”

BD: “I see my biggest strengths as my resilience and my speed. I have returned from two ACL injuries, in 2018 and 2021, which both forced me to develop a lot of mental toughness. Both rehab journeys reminded me how much I love the game and also showed me that I could handle challenging times. As a smaller player, I have also worked a lot on my speed and agility, which are important as a WA.”

Can you share or pinpoint a moment in your netball career when you proved (to yourself or others) that height doesn’t define your impact on court?

KP: "This moment was during the Under 21 World Youth Cup, Botswana, in 2017. There was chat prior to selections about my size and if I would be at a disadvantage against Australia. However, I ended up being injected into the game in the quarters, semis and finals and opening the game up with my speed. We went on to win the World Youth Cup against Australia."

GH: "Two very cool memories I have are getting to play GA in SSN and for the Diamonds."

BD: "For me, it’s hard to pick just one moment, so I would highlight a few key stages in my journey. One was returning from my second ACL injury and being selected back into the Feathers. After going through such a physical and emotional challenge for a second time, to then pull on the red dress of Wales again and be selected for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, after the disappointment of my injury at the Gold Coast, was really special. Another was being given the honour of being named captain of the Welsh Feathers. When coaches and teammates choose you as a leader because of what you bring to the team, it is extremely special."

What message would you give to young netballers who may think they’re too short to play at the highest level?

KP: “Height is not always the answer. Find your strengths and what you are good at, and then really work at them to make them your super power.”

GH: “Turn it into determination to get better at other skills, you know you will never have the height so know your strengths and weaknesses and continue to work on them. This may be your footwork, speed, timing or tactical skills.”

BD: “The first thing I would say is that your height does not decide how far you can go in netball. I am 5ft 4 and have had the privilege of playing for Wales and in the Superleague for 13 years. You can use it as a super strength! There is so much space in netball for different body types, heights, and playing styles. If you love the game and you are willing to put the work in, you can do it. Surround yourself with teammates and coaches who support you and celebrate your strengths.”

If you think you’re too small, you’re not. These three successful players are rewriting that narrative, so this is your reminder that you have many 'tools in your toolkit', to borrow a phrase from Georgie. There’s definitely a place for you in netball, don’t wait for permission to take it.