The Netball World Cup is showcasing some extraordinary athletes, and among them are the towering players who stand head and shoulders above the rest. In a sport where height can provide a significant advantage, these exceptional women have made a mark with their impressive stature and exceptional skills.
THE TALLEST PLAYERS DOMINATING THE COURT
EMMA BARRIE
At just 17 years old, Barrie was the youngest player at the 2019 World Cup. Now aged 21, the Scottish player stands tall at 1.94m. Despite her youth, Barrie’s talent has seen her become an integral part of the Thistles team.
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MARY CHOLHOK NUBA
The Ugandan athlete stands at an impressive 2.01m. Her exceptional shooting skills played a vital role in leading her team, Loughborough Lightning, to victory in this season’s Netball Superleague championship campaign.
#Uganda 🇺🇬 #SheCranes‘ Mary Cholhok Nuba is Best Shooter and Fans’ Favourite Player of the #Fast5WorldSeries Tournament in New Zealand. #SoftPowerNews pic.twitter.com/NU03jPrzE0
— SoftPower News (@SoftPowerNews) November 6, 2022
JHANIELE FOWLER
Jamaica’s captain, the 34-year-old Fowler, is regarded as one of the best goal shooters of all time. Standing at 1.98m, her combination of height and exceptional skill set makes her practically unguardable, posing a constant threat to the opposition’s defence.
Jhaniele Fowler, the captain of the Sunshine Girls, is confident and eager to get started 🔥
📺 Watch the #NWC2023 live on #TheHomeOfSport 👏 pic.twitter.com/KsPzPVRScW
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 23, 2023
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GRACE NWEKE
The 21-year-old New Zealander is 1.93M tall and was named the Player of the Tournament in the quad series. Drawing comparisons to the legendary Fowler, Nweke’s skill as a goal shooter makes her a vital asset for her team.
The last time Grace Nweke visited Cape Town, she secured the Best Shooter and Player of the Series accolades at the 2023 #QuadSeries 👏
Can she do the same at the #NWC2023?
📺 Watch all the matches live on SuperSport!#HereForHer
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 27, 2023
KELLY JURY
On the defensive end for New Zealand, 26-year-old Kelly Jury stands tall at 1.92 m and plays as a GK, GD and WD. With her reach and defensive prowess, she has established herself as a key player in the team’s backline.
That leaaaan from Kelly Jury 🧏♀️
We’re ready to go for game two of the Constellation Cup, live from Tauranga at 7.30pm this Sunday on @skysportnz and simulcast free to air on Prime! pic.twitter.com/tQNlFNEQXe
— Silver Ferns (@SilverFernsNZ) October 15, 2022
Jury Shows her defensive prowess
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THARJINI SIVALINGAM
The veteran from Sri Lanka, aged 44, is the tallest athlete in the tournament, measuring a whopping 2.06m. Her height advantage makes her a formidable force in offence.
GEORGIA ROWE
Joining the ranks of the tallest players, Welsh GA/GS Georgia Rowe stands tall at 1.95m. Her presence in the Welsh squad adds another dimension to their attack. With 57 caps for Wales, Rowe brings valuable experience to the team.
INE-MARÍ VENTER
The tallest player in the Proteas squad, Venter measures 1.92m. As a prolific Goal Shooter, the 28-year-old South African who plies her trade at Saracens in England will undoubtedly be a menace to opponents, particularly as Lenize Potgeiter’s understudy.
“𝘛𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘊𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦.”
Ine-Mari Venter looks ahead to the @NetballWorldCup, ahead of tomorrow’s opening round! 😍
🖱️ https://t.co/3a6Vj53FCL#BeAMaverick🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/H3HzxLK3dl
— Saracens Mavericks (@SaracensMavs) July 27, 2023
These remarkable athletes, with their towering heights add a new dimension of excitement and challenge to the Netball World Cup. Their combination of exceptional skills and height makes them significant assets for their teams, leaving an unforgettable mark on the world of netball. As the tournament progresses, the world will be watching to see how these players continue to impact their teams’ performances on the court.