TOP 10 TALLEST NETBALL PLAYERS IN THE WORLD 2023.

Do you ever watch a netball game and wonder how tall some players are? Their height is such an advantage on the court. Netball has emerged as a showcase for extraordinary athletes, and among them are the towering players who quite literally stand head and shoulders above the rest. In this post, we’ll enlist the top 10 tallest netball players in international competitions.

In a sport where height can undeniably provide a significant advantage, these exceptional women have left an everlasting mark with their impressive stature and exceptional skills.

While height can confer certain physical benefits like grabbing rebounds above opponents or providing versatility between centre and goal positions, natural athleticism alone does not make champions.

Some of the greatest netball players across international competitions have stood well below average female heights. Their success came from mastering game strategy, pin-point passing, and lightning-quick footwork to outmatch taller foes.

TOP 10 TALLEST NETBALL PLAYERS IN THE WORLD 2023.

RANK	NAME	HEIGHT IN METERS	COUNTRY
1	THARJINI SIVALINGAM	2.06 m	Sri Lanka
2	MARY CHOLHOK NUBA	2.01	Uganda
3	JHANIELE  FLOWER	1.98 m	Jamaica
4	CAITLIN BASSETT	1.96 m	Australia
5	GEORGIA ROWE	1.95 m	Wales
6	EMMA BARRIE	1.94	Scotland
7	GRACE NWEKE	1.93 m	New Zealand
8	IRENE VAN DYK	1.93 m	New Zealand
9	KELLY JURY	1.92 m	New Zealand
10	INE-MARÍ VENTER	1.92 m	South Africa

1. THARJINI SIVALINGAM

Tharjini Sivalingam, born on December 30, 1978, is a retired Sri Lankan netball veteran who not only served as the captain of the Sri Lankan national netball team but also earned a prominent place in the sport’s history due to her extraordinary height.

Standing at a towering 2.06 m, just a fraction under 6 feet 9 inches, she is widely acknowledged as one of the most accomplished shooters in the history of netball. Tharjini Sivalingam is famous for being the tallest netball player ever to grace the sport.

Her extraordinary height granted her a distinct advantage on the netball court, allowing her to reach incredible heights and make challenging shots easily.

Tharjini’s contributions to the sport extended beyond her height, as she displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout her career.

She is also honoured to be the most capped international netball player to represent Sri Lanka.

2. MARY CHOLHOK NUBA

Standing at an impressive height of 2.01 meters, the Ugandan athlete showcased her exceptional shooting skills, which played a pivotal role in guiding her team, Loughborough Lightning, to a triumphant victory in this season’s Netball Superleague championship campaign.

The Ugandan star possesses a physical presence on the netball court that immediately captures the attention of both opponents and spectators alike. Her remarkable height becomes a formidable advantage as she stands tall among her peers, allowing her to reach and dominate the game in ways that few others can match.

3. JHANIELE FLOWER

Acclaimed as one of the most exceptional goal shooters in netball history, Jamaica’s captain, 34-year-old Jhaniele Fowler, is among the tallest netball players in the world. With a towering height of 1.98 meters, her presence on the court is nothing short of imposing.

This combination of remarkable height and an extraordinary skill set elevates her to a league of her own, rendering her virtually unguardable and a perpetual menace to opposing defences.

Fowler’s ability to seamlessly blend her towering stature with her unmatched skills makes her a true force to be reckoned with, making her one of the greatest netball players ever to grace the court.

4. CAITLIN BASSETT

Caitlin Bassett was privileged to represent Giants Netball and the Australia national netball team during her illustrious career. From 2017 to 2021, Bassett held the prestigious role of captaining the Australian national netball team in international netball tests.

Standing tall among her peers, her extraordinary height became a defining feature of her netball career. She proudly represented Giants Netball and the Australia national netball team, earning recognition for her skills and towering presence on the court.

5. GEORGIA ROWE

Joining the ranks of the tallest netball players, Welsh GA/GS Georgia Rowe proudly stands at a commanding height of 1.95 meters. Her towering presence on the court adds a unique dimension to the Welsh squad’s offensive capabilities.

With a remarkable 57 caps for Wales, Rowe brings her exceptional height and a wealth of valuable experience to the team.

In the fast-paced world of netball, Rowe’s height becomes a significant asset, allowing her to easily reach for the net and pose a constant challenge to opposing defenses. Her ability to score and create scoring opportunities is amplified by her imposing stature, making her a key player in the Welsh squad’s attack strategy.

6. EMMA BARRIE

At 17, Barrie earned the distinction of being the youngest player to grace the 2019 World Cup stage. Now, at 21 years old, this Scottish netball player stands tall at an impressive height of 1.94 meters.

While youth may have been on her side when she first burst onto the scene, her undeniable talent and dedication firmly established her as an integral part of the Thistles team.

Despite her relative youth, Barrie’s maturity and composure under pressure make her a reliable presence for the Thistles. Her ability to contribute defensively and offensively highlights her versatility and valuable contributions to the team’s success.

7. GRACE NWEKE

At just 21 years old, the young New Zealander stands tall at an impressive height of 1.93 meters. Her remarkable talent was recognized when she was named the player of the Tournament in the quad series, a testament to her exceptional skills on the netball court.

Nweke’s ability to dominate the netball court with her height and scoring ability mirrors the legendary performances of players like Fowler. Her precision in taking shots and her ability to create scoring opportunities have made her a standout player and earned her the admiration of fans and the respect of opponents.

8. IRENE VAN DYK

Irene van Dyk, towering 1.93m, the ageless super shooter, left an eternal mark on the world of netball, reshaping how the sport was played, not only in New Zealand but across the globe. Her immense contributions significantly contributed to the growing popularity of netball.

Van Dyk’s extraordinary talent knew no bounds when she made New Zealand her home in 2000, having emigrated from South Africa in her late 20s. Almost instantly, she became the iconic face of the Silver Ferns and embarked on a remarkable journey that would rewrite the record books.

She redefined the role of a goal shoot with undeniable influence, revolutionizing how the position was played. Her agility, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure made her a force to be reckoned with.

9. KELLY JURY

In the defensive ranks of the New Zealand netball team, the 26-year-old Kelly Jury commands attention with her imposing height of 1.92 meters. Her versatility is a significant asset to the team as she adeptly plays in multiple defensive positions, including GK, GD, and WD.

Her remarkable reach and defensive skill have firmly cemented her position as a linchpin in the team’s formidable backline.

Jury’s height gives her a distinct advantage when intercepting passes, blocking shots, and disrupting the opposition’s offensive strategies. Her ability to adapt and excel in various defensive roles showcases her versatility and adaptability on the netball court.

10. INE-MARÍ VENTER

Standing as the tallest player in the Proteas squad at an impressive height of 1.92 meters, Venter is a prominent figure on the netball court. At 28 years old, this South African athlete is a prolific Goal Shooter, showcasing her talents while playing for Saracens in England.

Her soaring presence and exceptional skills make her a formidable force, certain to pose a significant challenge to opponents.

Venter’s height allows her to reach for the net easily and gives her a distinct advantage in securing rebounds and converting scoring opportunities. Her ability to seamlessly step into the role of Goal Shooter ensures the Proteas maintain a solid offensive presence even when their star player, Potgieter, is not on the court.

TALLEST NETBALL PLAYERS IN THE WORLD–FAQS

How many feet tall is a netball hoop?

For all players over 11, the World Netball regulation netball post height is 10ft (3.05m). This is the standard netball hoop height for all high school lessons and senior club/international matches.

Who is the tallest netball player of all time?

The title of the tallest netball player ever is often attributed to Tharjini Sivalingam from Sri Lanka, who stands at a staggering 206 cm or just under 6 feet 9 inches tall.

How does a player’s height impact their performance in netball?

Height can significantly impact netball performance. Taller players have advantages in shooting as they can reach the net more easily. Defensively, they can block shots, intercept passes, and cover more ground due to their extended reach.

Are there any specific rules or advantages for taller netball players regarding positioning or strategy?

Taller netball players are often positioned as shooters or defenders due to their height advantage. They can utilize their reach to dominate the shooting circle or disrupt the opposition’s plays defensively.

How do taller netball players maintain agility and mobility on the court?

Taller netball players work on their agility, footwork, and speed to ensure they can move swiftly despite their height. They undergo training to maintain balance and agility, allowing them to excel in various aspects of the game.

CONCLUSION

With their towering heights, these remarkable athletes introduce a fresh wave of excitement and challenge to the world of Netball. Their fusion of exceptional skills and impressive height renders them invaluable assets to their respective teams, imprinting an indelible mark on the global netball stage.

The world will be eagerly watching how these players continue to influence their teams’ performances on the court, keeping the netball community on the edge of their seats with anticipation.