Wasps Netball: Hannah Knights announces retirement

Wasps Netball captain Hannah Knights has announced her retirement from the sport – calling time on a fifteen-year Netball Superleague career. Knights has been a title-winning captain on four occasions, with both the Surrey Storm and Wasps.

Knights lifted her first Superleague title with Storm in 2014, starting a run of four title triumphs in-a-row. The former-Wasps captain played an integral role in leading the side to back-to-back league titles upon the club’s formation.

“I’m so thankful for the support I have received from my family and friends through the years and now felt like the right time to call it a day and enjoy life away from netball,” said Knights.

Winning my first league title with Storm was really special

– Hannah Knights

The 35-year-old has also represented England at under-21 level and counts a silver medal at the World Youth Championships among her honours.

“Winning my first league title with Storm was really special,” Knights said in an official statement. “To go and win two with Wasps was brilliant too, and I’ll always treasure those memories. To be the first ever Wasps player was an honour and we’re like a family now.

“So many people have had a huge impact on my career. From my England under-21 coach Collette Thompson, to Tamsin Greenway who really helped my development as a player, to Wasps’ current coach Mel Mansfield who has guided me along the way.

“I’ve played with some incredible players and it will be strange not sharing a court with Amy Flanagan and Rachel Dunn, who I’ve played with for so many years and we’re the best of friends away from the court.

“It’s been a privilege to play netball at the highest level for so long and to see the sport move up the national agenda in that time – the future is very bright.”

We would like to thank her for everything she has done for the club

– Sarah Taylor

Knights was named Wasps Player of the Season in 2017 and franchise manager Sarah Taylor has praised Knights for her role in Wasps’ success.

“Hannah’s been integral to our success at every step. You can’t underestimate the impact of such an influential captain and she is valued immeasurably by both players and management” said Taylor.

“She leads by example on and off the court, is a phenomenal athlete and represents everything Wasps stands for. Hannah will be sorely missed and we would like to thank her for everything she has done for the club over the last four years.”

Her dedication to training has been unrivalled throughout her career

– Mel Mansfield

Wasps head coach Mel Mansfield added: “Hannah’s netball career has been quite incredible. She is an athlete that is fiercely respected with physical ability unlike any I’ve seen before.

“Her dedication to training and fitness has been unrivalled throughout her career, which is quite an incredible feat alongside a separate full-time demanding career.

“I have known Hannah for 12 years and she has grown into one of my dearest friends. Her career has been nothing short of amazing and will always be remembered in the sport.”