Hannah Grant’s Road to World Cup Debut
In the buzzing world of netball, there are those rare athletes whose journeys resonate far beyond the court. Hannah Grant, 23 from Glasgow is one such individual whose unwavering hard work and determination have led her to the pinnacle of her career – her World Cup debut in South Africa. In an exclusive interview, Hannah shares her thoughts on the remarkable journey that brought her to this momentous occasion.
Hannah’s journey to the World Cup was a testament to her resilience and dedication. Faced with the challenges and setbacks that every athlete encounters, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. As she prepared to step onto the court for her World Cup debut against England, her excitement was evident.
“I guess I was just filled with excitement,” she shares. “This is what you work so hard for, and this is what I’ve dreamed about and what has been my goal all year and all those training sessions, so I was filled with excitement, ready to go out there and just see what I can do.”
But beneath the excitement, there was also a quiet determination. Hannah’s journey to the World Cup was no easy feat. Countless hours of training, sweat, and tears were invested to reach this moment. When asked about the trust and bravery she showed on the court, Hannah humbly attributed it to the relentless preparation she had put in.
“I think it’s just because you know this is what you’ve trained for every day,” she explains. “If I go for a ball, I know my teammates will have my back, and if you don’t go for it, you’ll never know if you can get it.”
Her path to the World Cup was not without its share of obstacles. Injuries threatened to derail her dreams, but Hannah’s resolve only grew stronger. She shares, “That I finally made it, injury-free, to South Africa, that is a big highlight.”
Through it all, she leaned on her coaches and teammates for support and guidance. Their belief in her abilities and constant encouragement played a pivotal role in her journey. “It was just having belief in your teammates and sticking to structure,” she acknowledges. “We create that pressure as a unit, and that’s how we faced the world number 1s.”
As Scotland’s match with Australia loomed ahead, Hannah embraced the challenge with humility and determination. “That’s just a moment I’ll never forget, a pinch-me moment,” she admits. “I was just trying my best to do my job.”
Off the court, Hannah’s contributions were equally vital. Her unwavering support and infectious energy from the sidelines motivated her teammates to excel. Her genuine camaraderie with the team created a unique environment, fostering unity and trust among the players.
Reflecting on her journey, Hannah’s story is one of grit and perseverance, centred on the belief that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality. Her World Cup debut is not just a moment for her, but a celebration of the countless hours of dedication and passion she poured into her craft.
Scotland play their final Group F match against Fiji on Thursday 3rd August at 10am BST.
