Redhill School netballers go from underdogs to world champions
Redhill School’s U17 netball team made history internationally when they won the World Schools Netball Cup, shining the light on SA school sports.
History was made in Loughborough, England, as Redhill School’s U17 netball team became the first South African school to not just compete in, but to win the World Schools Netball Cup.
The journey was more than just about medals; it was about resilience, adaptability, and showcasing the best of South African school sport on a global stage.
Coach Ashley Gary said: “The defining moment came in our very first game. We were down at halftime against a really strong team, but the girls regrouped and came back to win. That early fight set the tone for our entire tournament.”
She added that Redhill faced challenges, on and off the court, adjusting to different umpiring styles, overcoming jet lag, and keeping up with schoolwork on the road, but the team turned each hurdle into an advantage. “In South Africa, officials blow up contact much quicker. Overseas, they let the game flow more. Once the girls adapted, their defence actually improved.”
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Gary pointed out that Redhill’s style caught eyes in England. “What stood out was how structured our game was compared to some teams that relied mostly on speed or athleticism. Our systems gave us consistency under pressure.”
She said that their wing attack Morgan Easter was singled out by commentators for her sharp feeding into the circle. “But honestly, everyone stepped up. It was beautiful to watch.”
Parents were also part of the winning formula. Many travelled to England and became the team’s loudest cheerleaders. “The only real sacrifice was balancing books with the big game, but study sessions in the campus library kept academics on track.”
Looking ahead, Redhill’s netball programme is already producing results at junior levels too. “We have built a system where players speak the same netball language from a young age. This win is the start of even bigger things.”
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