A Year 13 netball star has been signed by professional squad, London Pulse.
For Highgate’s Kira, joining the Vitality Netball Superleague team is the equivalent of joining a Premier League football team. She will now play netball with, and against, some of the best players in the country.
Kira explains: ‘I was so happy when I found out London Pulse wanted to sign me! I’ve been in the U19s of the London Pulse franchise since it began three years ago and it’s made me grow so much as a player, on and off court, so I’m excited to see how much I can progress being in the seniors. It’s also an amazing opportunity since this is the first year London Pulse has had seniors and so we can really make our mark.’
Kira started at Highgate in Year 7, and her sporting talent has been nurtured and encouraged by our Sports and Exercise Department, helping her to meet and surpass every age group opportunity for a youth athlete. She has played netball for Highgate, as well as at country and regional levels, and internationally, where her debut tour last summer saw her compete as an Under 19 England Rose in Australia.
Kira adds: ‘Highgate’s Sports and Exercise Department have been so supportive, I wouldn’t be able to balance everything without them being so understanding.’
Kira’s coach at Highgate is Ms Steph Pride, one of our Directors of Sport and Exercise, who said: ‘Kira has real drive in all that she does, and has committed to all aspects of training and performance at our School that have allowed her to pursue her netball performance pathway at every juncture.’
‘We are immensely proud of Kira’s success and her Pulse selection is a testament to the hard work she has put in over the years. Countless hours of shooting in the garden, training before school and travelling up and down the country really have paid off. Kira is a player that we have all enjoyed working with; dedicated, passionate, modest and someone that you can always count on to perform under pressure. She isn’t afraid to go the extra mile and has become an athlete that our younger pupils aspire to be.’
Adam Pettitt, Highgate’s Head, said: ‘Everyone at Highgate is very proud of Kira. Of course, signing her London Pulse contract means agreeing not to play for our School team, which is a loss for us. However, this is a huge step in her sporting career at a young age. And, we hope, she can wear maroon at least once more before the end of Year 13!’
The Vitality Netball Superleague is the UK’s top level, elite competition, featuring teams from England, Scotland and Wales. It generally runs from February to July, with Sky Sports broadcasting some games. London Pulse is the Superleague’s newest member. VG
Banner photo courtesy of London Pulse ©
Thumbnail photo copyright @steveporterpictures
