Eleanor Cardwell

Biography

Eleanor Cardwell was born in Blackpool and, like many, began playing netball at primary school after encouragement from her mother. Her journey began solely at the defensive end of the court; an area many outside of the North West wouldn’t ordinarily associate her with. 

With her switch from defender to shooter, as well as missing out on selection and taking time away from the sport, Cardwell describes her route to this point as “pretty rocky.” However, all these experiences have contributed to making her the player she is today. 

She debuted in a Home Nations clash against Northern Ireland in 2016 and over recent seasons has since become a regular presence in the shooting circle, making her major senior international competition bow at Birmingham 2022. 

She was then part of the history-making Vitality Roses team that reached a first-ever Netball World Cup final in 2023 and won the silver medal.

Boasting strength on the hold, for which she credits three nights a week of taekwondo training when she was younger, incredible reach, for which she’s affectionately been christened ‘The Claw’, and calmness under pressure, she’s become a firm fan favourite. 

If I can be a voice in the netball community for bigger busted ladies, at least I can help women in a different way. Helping to educate younger girls who give up sport because it’s painful – they might fall in love with sport because they can do it in comfort. Or we might get more talent coming through because they won’t stop playing sport so early – source: Netball Scoop 

A passionate advocate for women’s health, she’s connected with and supported girls and women at every life stage beyond the court with her sports bra reviews. You can watch one of the videos, as well as finding out more about the why and the how when it comes to kit that fits, on the NETBALLHer website.