Netball's teenage star Gracie Smith: Who is she?
- Published
Teenage netballer Gracie Smith has just been included in the England's Roses programme for 2026-27, following her breakout performances in the Netball Super League (NSL) this season.
The 17-year-old has become a rising star in the NSL since she first played and won the NSL title aged 16-years-old in 2025.
Her inclusion in the England's Roses programme means Smith is within the group of players that will form the England squad throughout the year.
This is a huge step in her netball career. Read on to find out more about her...
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Who is Gracie Smith?
Gracie Smith is a 17-year-old netball player.
She currently plays in the NSL for London Pulse, and has previously achieved success with the England Under-17 and Under-19 squads.
Smith plays wing defence or centre - both defending positions in the centre of the court.
She has been described by sports pundits as a generational talent.
What has she achieved?
Smith was called up to the England U17 squad aged just 14.
She went on to win the U17 Netball Europe Open Championship despite being three years younger than some of her team mates.
Since then she made history when she became the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract for the NSL with London Pulse, making her debut on the court aged 16.
This also made her the youngest ever player to win the NSL.
Balancing life and sport
Gracie Smith on tackling GCSEs as a professional netball player (filmed in 2025)
As someone who has played professional netball from a young age Gracie has had to learn to balance both sport and school, as well as other aspects of life.
Last year while training and competing as a netball player in the Netball Super League, Gracie also had to take on her Year 11 GCSEs.
"It's like two completely different lives, but I love them both so it's good," she told BBC Bitesize.
But, she took it in her stride, and it seems she is continuing to do so with the latest announcement in her netball career.
Will we see her play her first senior match for England this year? We will have to wait and see.
Are you a fan of netball? Do you think Gracie will play for the Roses this year?
Let us know in the comments...
