26 August 2026
Miss Emma Magee, Head of Netball
Competing for Northern Ireland Netball at the Commonwealth Games for the second time was an absolute whirlwind: daunting, exciting and somehow familiar, yet completely different because of who I am now as an athlete.
Going into a top-12 tournament ranked 14th in the world meant the stakes were high, but mentally I was in a place where I could truly absorb it all; embracing the vulnerability, riding the highs, and pushing through the tough moments. From walking out in the opening ceremony in Glasgow alongside so many exceptional athletes to matching up against some of the best netballers in the world, the entire experience was unforgettable.
There is no better feeling than seeing a planned play come off or delivering a pass that lands perfectly against a team like Australia. Those moments remind you that you belong on that stage.
The Northern Ireland squad is different from any Premier League or Netball Super League club. We are family. We are connected by roots back home, built on relationships that simply can't be bought. Having my 26-year-old baby sister captain the team made it even more special. Sharing a room, just as we always do, and seeing her dedication and commitment up close every day was incredibly inspiring and something I will never forget.
On the court, our five-goal loss to eighth-ranked Tonga was a tough pill to swallow. We knew how close we were and what could have been. However, the response from the group was outstanding. To bounce back in our playoff match against Trinidad & Tobago with a 39-goal victory and record Northern Ireland's highest-ever Commonwealth Games score of 78 goals was a huge achievement and a testament to the character of the squad.
Off the court, having family and friends in the crowd meant everything. Seeing how proud they were of what we were achieving made the experience even more special. The support from the local community was incredible too, with complete strangers stopping us in the street to congratulate us or ask for a photo. Those small moments really made us appreciate the impact of representing Northern Ireland on such a big stage.
Finishing the trip by supporting our fellow Northern Ireland athletes, particularly during a brilliant run in the boxing competition, was the perfect way to round off an unforgettable few weeks.
It's an experience that I will carry with me forever.
Now, after a short break from netball, we’re shortly heading into a new term at Woldingham, where I hope to pass on some of the lessons, experiences, and inspiration I've taken from another incredible Commonwealth Games campaign.