Ella Porter (Front far right) playing for EUNC

Ella Porter earns Wales U21 spot for Netball Europe

Ella Porter, 1st year HPP netballer has been selected for Wales U21 netball Europe. Held in the Isle of Man from 12th-14th November, if she takes to the court during the tournament, it will be her 1st cap for Wales. She has also been named in the Wales senior long squad.

The squad combines of athletes that have represented Wales at U17 Netball Europe, long squads, and at U21 Netball Europe in 2019 where we achieved a silver medal. Speaking about her squad, U21 Head Coach Nikki Lloyd said: “This group of athletes have shown incredible resilience, patience and determination throughout the challenge of 2020 and all the disappointments they have experienced.”

The first year student is not only juggling her high performance programme with her internaitonal training, Ella is also a neuroscience student. That however hasnt stopped her excelling, with the mentoring scheme in place at University of Exeter, all HPP athletes are supported to keep them on track on and off the court.  

When speaking to Ella about her selection, it was safe to say she was very exctied:

"My selection to represent wales under21s at the upcoming netball Europe tournament is both an honour and very exciting. I’m massively looking forward to wearing the red dress and representing my country to the best of my ability. Although only being at University of Exeter for a short period of time, the support I’ve received has been nothing short of brilliant. Whilst studying neuroscience, being part of the high performance program and being in an international setting is a tough balancing act, my coaches, lectures, team mates and mentors have been instrumental in helping me maintain my high standards and allow me to continue to achieve in both sport and academics."

Ella is one of our athletes who has been awarded a Sports Scholarship. They are tailored to the needs of the individual athlete, but will include a cash sum for sporting expenses up to £3,000 per year for exceptional athletes applications. If you are interested in applying for the Sports Scholarshship programme, applications are live now, until 31st May 2022. For further details on the scheme please contact sportscholarships@exeter.ac.uk, or see the website Sports Scholarships Scheme - Performance Sport (exeter.ac.uk).

Date: 28 October 2021