Spotlight on Performance Coordinator Nicky Savill for Indoor Netball WorldChamps

University of Exeter Performance Coordinator Nicky Savill, will represent England in the World Indoor Netball Championships this weekend and during next week.

Three England teams are traveling to South Africa this week to compete for England Nets. Nets – previously known as Indoor Netball – is a variation of traditional netball, played within an enclosed netted area, which is used to bounce the ball back into the court, so it never goes out of play. It means the game is faster, more energetic and non-stop.

There are a few slight rule tweaks such as being able to score from outside of the circle, which makes the game higher scoring, and restarting from the defensive circle after a goal rather than the centre.

The nets themselves can also be utilised with players having the ability to bounce the ball off the high-tension nets to pass the ball to a teammate.

Nicky who also captains Exeter Netball Club 1^st team who won promotion into National Premier League 3 at the end of last season, has been showing the way to performance athletes at the university for a long time. When the opportunity to trial for England Nets arose, it was by no surprise that we learnt of her call up to 2 out of the 3 squads travelling to South Africa.

Knowing that she is used to leading by example in work ethic, consistency and passion it was after months of training across the country and frequent fitness tests that the squad selection was set and Nicky will now feature in both Ladies 6 a-side and 7 a-side competition.

Nicky let us know how she felt after learning of her selection:

“I am really looking forward to representing England Nets at the World Cup in South Africa. It’s a completely new experience for me and something I wasn’t expecting to happen. Having been part of the netball performance programme at the University of Exeter as a student and still now playing for Exeter Netball Club, I’ve been really lucky to have been coached by Charlie Hale (Performance Manager) and Denise Ellis (Head of Netball) who have both had a huge impact on my netball and I can’t thank them enough.”

“The university netball performance programme taught me how to train and I’m fortunate enough to still be able to utilise some of the universities facilities. I also train with South West Road Runners which has been a great way of maximising my running fitness for netball and NETS. All of the University of Exeter Netball Club, Exeter Netball Club and South West Road Runners have been a huge support to me and something I’m really proud to represent.”

Denise Ellis Head of Netball, also commented "Nicky is an inspiration to all at the University!  Exeter Netball Club, the university teams that she coaches & I wish her and the teams the very best of luck as they start their World Cup campaign."

The tournament starts this weekend with a classic rivalry of Australia vs England starting at 11am (SA time) you can keep track of all the scores and games here.

We cannot wait to watch Nicky lead the way in what will be an exciting World Cup for England and NETS.

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