We’re thrilled to welcome Hannah Knightbridge to the Gilbert Netball family! A rising star in the sport and a passionate advocate for positivity both on and off the court, Hannah embodies everything we stand for - energy, resilience, and love for the game.
From Essex Beginnings to the National Stage
Growing up in Brentwood, Essex, Hannah’s journey into netball began almost by accident. “I first started playing around 10 or 11,” “All my friends were playing at Brentwood Netball Club, so I thought, why not give it a go?”
Always a naturally sporty kid, Hannah threw herself into every game she could - from hockey to netball - but when the time came to choose between her two biggest passions, netball won out. “I just enjoyed it more,” she explains. “It’s the people, the team spirit, the feeling when you win with your friends. Netball has brought me so many amazing friendships and memories.”
Leadership on and off the Court
As captain of her U21 side, Hannah has built a reputation as a vocal, driven, and motivating leader. “I’m definitely the loud one on court,” she admits. “I like being that link between players - bringing both ends together and keeping the energy positive.”
But her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “Netball really is a rollercoaster,” she reflects. “You have highs and you have lows - and honestly, there are more lows than highs sometimes. But you need those lows to appreciate the good moments.”
Her growth as a player has been shaped by key mentors along the way, including Collin at Brentwood and Trudy, who both believed in her early potential. A defining moment came when she was selected by Sonia Mkoloma for Future Roses, a milestone that validated years of hard work and persistence.
Mindset and Motivation
For Hannah, netball isn’t just a sport - it’s a cornerstone of her mental wellbeing. “Netball is such an important part of my mental health,” she says. “There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes - it’s not just physical, it’s psychological too. The mental side is the hardest part about playing at a high level, but it’s also what pushes you forward.”
Her motivation comes from those fleeting but unforgettable highs. “The highs are so worth it,” she says. “Even on tough days, those sessions when you’re not feeling your best - that’s when the real progress happens.”
Team Vibes and Off-Court Energy
Ask her teammates to describe her, and Hannah laughs: “Chatty, positive, full of energy - on and off the court!” When she’s not training, she loves a good coffee catch-up or a family roast. “On rest days, I still like to get outside - maybe a walk, a coffee with friends, and a roast with family. That’s my reset.”
Her hype song before a big game? “Anything by Olivia Dean — I’m obsessed!”
Welcome to the Gilbert family, Hannah — we can’t wait to see what’s next! 💙
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