Meet London Pulse’s record-breaking netball player – Gracie Smith

Gracie Smith is already making history. At just 16, the London Pulse prospect became the youngest player to play in – and win – the Netball Super League, appearing ten times during the 2025 regular season before taking to the court in the Grand Final victory over Loughborough Lightning. Smith started playing aged seven, inspired by her mum. “Then and there I fell in love with the game,” she says. “I knew team sport was for me.”

Her rapid rise has also brought England recognition, from an U17 call-up aged 14 to the Roses Academy and England A squad. Yet her standout memory remains that NSL triumph: “Playing at the O2 in front of such an electric crowd and walking up those steps to collect my medal was a moment I will truly cherish forever.” For Smith, netball’s appeal goes beyond competition. “It’s such a beautiful way for women and girls to feel empowered,” she says, “whilst also making friends for life.”

Early years

How did your journey into netball begin?
My mum used to play netball at a high level, and she took me to my first session when I was around seven. I fell in love with the game there and then. I was playing tennis at the time, but I knew team sport was for me, so I decided to concentrate fully on netball and I’ve never looked back.

Why would you recommend others take up netball?
Girlhood! It’s such a beautiful way for women and girls to feel empowered, enjoy exercise and make friends for life.

What was your first netball club?
My first club was Crosskeys Netball Club in Harlow. It’s such a special club and was incredibly supportive of my career. It’s full of amazing people who I’m still really close to today.

My achievements

What are some of your proudest achievements in netball so far?
Without question, winning the Grand Final last season. Playing at The O2 in front of such an electric crowd and then walking up those steps to collect my medal was a moment I’ll truly cherish forever.

Which sportspeople do you admire and why?
I’ve admired Michael Jordan since I was little, watching every documentary and interview I could. I love his mindset and the way he approached his sport, but also the impact he has had on the wider sporting world. I hope that one day I can have as much of an impact on my sport as he did on his.

Training game

What does a normal training week look like for you?
As a team, we have two court sessions and two gym sessions. Individually, we also complete a conditioning session and another gym or mobility session during the week.

What’s the toughest thing about being an athlete?
For me, the toughest part is balancing school life with netball. Exams, coursework and deadlines can be stressful when you’re also training constantly throughout the week. It’s important to work out what you need to prioritise at that moment, and I’m grateful to have amazing people in both environments who have my back.

Do you get nervous before competitions? If so, how do you handle it?
I don’t usually get nervous before a game. Instead, I try to turn that feeling into excitement. My mum gave me that advice when I first started playing, and it has stuck with me ever since!

Smart food

What performance foods do you enjoy most and why?
As a club, we’re lucky to have great partnerships with Nutrition X and iPRO, who provide us with energy and hydration products around games. Personally, I’m a big pasta fan! I have LOTS of pasta with chicken and vegetables on game day and the day before to make sure I’m loaded with carbs and ready to play Centre.

Fun stuff

Can you share three facts not many people know about you?

What do you do to relax and recover outside training and competition?
I love listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and going on long dog walks – especially in the summer.