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Eleanor Cardwell
Eleanor Cardwell
from Wikipedia

Eleanor Cardwell (born 11 November 1994) is an English international netball player. She plays for Manchester Thunder in the Netball Super League and is a member of the English national netball team.

Key Information

Early life and education

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Cardwell was born in Blackpool and began playing netball at primary school before joining Blackpool Netball Club at the age of 10.[1][2] She has a BSc in Sports and Exercise from Liverpool John Moores University where she graduated in 2016.

Club career

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Manchester Thunder

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Cardwell started her career at Manchester Thunder initially as a defender, before Tracey Neville encouraged her to become a shooter in the 2015 Super League season.[3][4][5] She made three grand finals with thunder in 2012, 2014 and 2016, winning the title in 2012 and 2014.[6][7][8]

Severn Stars

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Cardwell moved to new Super League franchise Severn Stars for the 2017 season where she played for two seasons.[9]

Manchester Thunder

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She returned to Manchester Thunder ahead of the 2019 Super League season.[10] There she won a further two Super League grand finals in 2019 and 2022.[11] At the 2022 Super League Awards, she took home the Sky Sports Fans’ Player of the Season and was named Players’ Player of the Season.[11]

Adelaide Thunderbirds

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In 2023, Cardwell made the move to Australia and joined the Adelaide Thunderbirds for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season.[11] The Thunderbirds won the championship in extra time by a single goal and Cardwell was named the Grand Final MVP.[12][13]

Melbourne Mavericks

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For the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Season, Cardwell joined former Manchester Thunder and England head coach Tracey Neville at new franchise Melbourne Mavericks for the teams inaugural season helping them place fifth.[14] Cardwell was diagnosed with a meniscus tear leading to a six-month recovery but suffered a full root detachment of her lateral meniscus during a three-match series against Australia in October 2024.[15]

Manchester Thunder

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Following recovering from her injury Cardwell decided to return to Netball Super League side Manchester Thunder for the 2026 season.[15]

International career

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Cardwell represented England U17s in Netball Europe and U19s for a tour of Jamaica.[5] On 13 May 2016, she made her senior debut for England against Northern Ireland in the 2016 Netball Europe Open Championships.[16][17]

Her first call-up to a senior major international competition was the 2022 Commonwealth Games,[2] where England failed to medal.[18] She achieved her 50th England Roses cap in October 2022 against Australia.[2][17] In 2023, Cardwell was part of the England Roses team who achieved their first ever Netball World Cup Silver Medal in Cape Town.[19] Cardwell won silver at the 2024 Netball Nations Cup. Cardwell suffered a full root detachment of her lateral meniscus during a three-match series against Australia in October 2024.[15] She made her return to the international stage in November 2025 during a three-match series against New Zealand.

Personal life

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Cardwell previously trained in Taekwondo three nights a week alongside her netball.[2] She is also known for her advocacy work supporting women and girls with correct-fitting sports bras.[20]

Honours

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England

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Manchester Thunder

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Adelaide Thunderbirds

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Individual awards

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  • Players Player of the Season: 2022
  • Fans Player of the Season: 2022
  • All Star VII: 2021, 2022

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Eleanor Cardwell (born 11 November 1994) is an English professional player who competes as a goal attack and goal shooter for the national team, known as the Vitality Roses, and for Manchester Thunder in the Netball Superleague. Standing at 186 cm, she is renowned for her strength, reach—earning her the "The Claw"—and composure under pressure, making her a key scoring threat in international and domestic competitions. Born in , , Cardwell began playing in , initially in defensive positions before transitioning to shooting roles around 2013–2014 under the guidance of coach . She made her senior international debut for in 2016 against and has since earned 71 caps, contributing significantly to the team's successes, including a historic silver medal at the in —England's first ever at the tournament—where she helped secure the nation's first victory over in the competition. Following her recovery from a , she was named to the squad for the 2025–26 international programme. At the in Birmingham, she marked her major senior tournament debut, further solidifying her role in the Vitality Roses squad. Cardwell's club career highlights her versatility across leagues. She has won four Vitality Netball Superleague premierships with (2012, 2014, 2019, and 2022), including an undefeated season in the latter, before moving to Australia to join the in 2023, where she played a pivotal role in their Suncorp Super Netball premiership victory that year. In 2024, she joined the but suffered a in October of that year, requiring surgery and causing her to miss the entire 2025 season. In August 2025, she signed a return to for the 2026 Netball Superleague season, marking a homecoming after her overseas stints.

Early life and education

Early life

Eleanor Cardwell was born on 11 November 1994 in , . From a young age, Cardwell was introduced to netball through her family's encouragement, particularly her mother, who urged her to join a session in at . Cardwell has credited her mother as the key influence, stating, “My mum basically made me go along to a session. I absolutely loved it,” which sparked her immediate passion for the sport. This early involvement at school laid the groundwork for her enthusiasm, as she began playing in defensive positions such as , goal defence, or wing defence. At the age of 10, Cardwell joined Club, her first organized club, where she honed her foundational skills under the guidance of coaches Gabby Towell and Gill Walker. These mentors played a pivotal role in her development, helping shape her into a more confident and skilled player through local training and matches. Her initial motivations stemmed from a desire to embody strength on the court, aspiring “to be this powerful woman on the court,” which fueled her dedication during youth sessions and regional play for before pursuing more advanced pathways.

Education

Cardwell pursued higher education at , where she completed a with first-class honours in and Exercise . During her time as a student, she balanced demanding academic requirements with her burgeoning professional netball career, including her early years with in the Netball Super League from 2012 onward. In 2017, Cardwell took a year out to focus on her studies.

Club career

Manchester Thunder (2012–2016)

Cardwell signed with in 2012 at the age of 17, while still a balancing her early professional commitments with academic studies at . Initially recruited as a defender, she began her tenure primarily in and goal defence roles, receiving limited court time as a reserve player during her debut season. Despite her novice status, she made a notable appearance as a substitute in the 2012 Netball Superleague Grand Final, contributing to Thunder's victory over Hertfordshire Mavericks and securing her first professional title. Over the following seasons, Cardwell underwent a significant positional transition, shifting from defence to the attacking end after Thunder coach encouraged her to trial goal shooter and goal attack during a training session to fill a shortage; she was confirmed in the role the next day. This move marked the beginning of her development into a versatile forward, allowing her to leverage her height and athleticism for improved offensive contributions. By the 2014 season, she had evolved into a more regular starter in these positions, playing a key role in Thunder's successful title defence with consistent performances that helped the team clinch the Superleague championship against Surrey Storm. Her growth during this period was evident in her increasing involvement, though specific seasonal goal tallies from 2012 to 2016 remain limited in public records; for instance, in the 2016 , she scored 7 out of 10 attempts as a shooter before Thunder's narrow loss to Surrey Storm.

Severn Stars (2017–2018)

Following her successful period with , where she contributed to multiple league titles, Eleanor Cardwell transferred to the newly established Severn Stars franchise ahead of the 2017 Vitality Netball Superleague season. She joined fellow internationals Jodie Gibson and Laura Malcolm, forming part of a squad aimed at injecting international experience into the Worcester-based newcomers. As a debut franchise, Severn Stars faced significant challenges in adapting to the competitive demands of the Superleague, starting with a loss to reigning champions Surrey Storm in their opening match. Cardwell primarily operated in the goal attack position, supporting the team's offensive structure amid heavy defeats, such as a 59-33 loss to Team Bath Netball. Despite these hurdles, the side secured five victories, including a 54-44 win over fellow newcomers Scottish Sirens, finishing eighth in the 10-team standings. Cardwell's contributions helped build momentum in transitional games, where she demonstrated growing command in the shooting circle. In the 2018 season, Severn Stars showed improvement under coach , achieving eight wins and climbing to sixth place with 24 points from 18 matches. Cardwell continued to develop her role, alternating between goal attack and goal shooter, and played a key part in standout performances like a 51-42 double over Surrey Storm during a weekend. She later reflected that her time at Severn Stars was crucial for cementing her playing style and securing consistent court time, fostering her versatility and confidence as an attacker. After two seasons marked by mid-table finishes and personal progression, Cardwell departed Severn Stars to rejoin Manchester Thunder in August 2018, seeking renewed opportunities in a familiar environment.

Manchester Thunder (2019–2022)

After spending two seasons with Severn Stars, Eleanor Cardwell returned to Manchester Thunder ahead of the 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague season, re-signing with the club in August 2018 to bolster their attacking lineup. In her homecoming year, Cardwell played a pivotal role as a goal attack and goal shooter, contributing to Thunder's successful title defense with a victory over Wasps Netball. Her versatility in the attacking circle allowed for dynamic partnerships, as she scored 400 goals across the season while providing numerous assists to support the team's offensive flow. These performances underscored her growing maturity, with improved shooting accuracy reflecting lessons from her international experience with the Roses. Cardwell extended her contract with Thunder in September 2021, committing through the 2023 season and solidifying her status as a core leader in the squad. By , she had evolved into a dominant force in attack, helping Thunder achieve an undefeated and secure their fourth Superleague title with a 60-53 win over Lightning. That year, Cardwell tallied 641 goals from 21 matches—ranking fourth in the league despite often playing goal attack—and earned both fans' and players' player of the season honors for her consistent impact. Throughout this period, Cardwell's leadership extended beyond scoring, as she mentored younger teammates and fostered team cohesion, crediting the squad's "click" for their success in high-stakes matches. Her influence helped cultivate a supportive environment, enabling emerging players to thrive while Thunder dominated domestically.

Adelaide Thunderbirds (2023)

In 2023, Eleanor Cardwell relocated to as an English import, signing with the for her debut season in Suncorp Super Netball. The move marked a significant step in her career, bringing her experience from the Vitality Netball Superleague to the professional Australian league. Cardwell demonstrated versatility across goal shooter and goal attack positions, adapting effectively to the faster pace and physical intensity of Super compared to her experience. Her dynamic shooting style complemented the Thunderbirds' high-pressure defense, allowing her to rotate fluidly in the attacking circle and capitalize on turnovers. Throughout the season, she featured in all 16 appearances, including the regular season, semi-final, and , where her consistent scoring provided crucial momentum for the team's campaign. Cardwell's contributions were pivotal in key matches against rivals, such as a standout performance against ladder leaders West Coast Fever, where she converted 33 of 34 goals and 8 of 14 super shots to secure a thrilling . In the grand final against NSW Swifts, she tallied 36 goals from 39 attempts, including five super shots, helping drive the Thunderbirds to their premiership triumph in extra time. These high-scoring displays underscored her role in elevating the team's attacking efficiency and securing their first title since 2010.

Melbourne Mavericks (2024–2025)

Cardwell signed with the Melbourne Mavericks in December 2023 as a for the team's debut in the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season, reuniting with former and coach . Following her premiership-winning stint with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2023, she transitioned to the new franchise, where she featured prominently as a goal shooter and goal attack, helping the Mavericks secure a playoff spot in their inaugural campaign. In October 2024, shortly after the conclusion of the Super Netball season, Cardwell aggravated a pre-existing during the international series between the Australian Diamonds and England Roses, necessitating minor on her left . The procedure, performed on October 24, 2024, was successful, but it ruled her out for the entire 2025 season as she focused on rehabilitation. Complications arose in early March 2025 when she required a second on the same , just days before the season opener, further delaying her return and intensifying her recovery efforts. The repeated surgeries presented significant rehabilitation challenges for Cardwell, who later revealed she experienced prolonged emotional distress, including days of crying and fears that her netball career might be over due to the ongoing issues with her . Despite making a limited return in the reserves grand final in June 2025, where she scored 31 goals, the persistent recovery demands led to her decision to prioritize long-term health. On July 29, 2025, the Melbourne Mavericks announced that Cardwell would not seek a contract for the 2026 season, marking the end of her two-year tenure with the club amid her ongoing knee recovery. In a statement, the club praised her leadership and contributions despite the injury setbacks, noting her role as co-vice-captain in 2024 and 2025.

(2025–present)

On 13 August 2025, Eleanor Cardwell signed with for the 2026 Netball Superleague season, marking her return to the club after two years with the Melbourne Mavericks. Cardwell's rehabilitation from knee surgeries in October 2024 and March 2025 has progressed positively, enabling her anticipated role as a key goal shooter and leader in Thunder's attacking lineup for 2026. She made a limited return in the Super Netball Reserves in June 2025, demonstrating resilience after fearing her career might end due to the injuries. By November 2025, her fitness had advanced sufficiently for inclusion in the Roses squad for the autumn internationals against and , signaling readiness for competitive play. Her decision to return was driven by a desire for familiarity and proximity to family in the UK, as well as opportunities to leverage her experience in a capacity within the team she considers home. Cardwell expressed excitement about resuming in the black and yellow, stating, "I just can’t wait to be back in the black and yellow as that is home for me," while emphasizing personal growth post-injury. As of November 2025, Cardwell has contributed to early team preparations, including sharing warm-up tips in club content released in late August, helping build anticipation for the 2026 season among fans and teammates.

International career

England national team

Cardwell made her international debut for the Roses on 13 May 2016, during a match against at the Open Championships. Selected initially as a promising shooter from the domestic Netball Superleague, her early involvement came under head coach , who identified her potential in goal attack following a positional shift from midcourt roles. As of November 2025, Cardwell has earned 73 caps for , predominantly featuring as a goal attack (GA) or goal shooter (GS), where her height of 186 cm and shooting accuracy have been key assets. Her contributions have grown steadily, with consistent selection reflecting her development into a reliable scoring threat capable of adapting to high-pressure scenarios. Cardwell's role evolved from a peripheral squad member in her debut years to a regular starter, particularly under Neville's successor, , who took over in 2019 and emphasized her integration into the for her versatility and in the attacking circle. has credited Cardwell's and tactical growth for her ascent, noting how she clawed her way to prominence amid fierce competition for shooting positions. Preparation for national duties involves intensive UK-based training camps as part of the year-round Vitality Roses programme, which combines domestic sessions with overseas opportunities to build team cohesion and match readiness. These camps focus on skill refinement, fitness, and strategic drills, allowing Cardwell to balance her club commitments while honing her international form. Following a in October 2024 that required and caused her to miss the entire 2025 club season, Cardwell made her return to international in November 2025 during the three-match Vitality International Series against . She substituted into the first test on 15 November in , contributing to England's effort in a 61-58 loss, and featured in the second test on 16 November, scoring 7 goals in a 61-58 victory that leveled the series. The third match is scheduled for 19 November in .

Major international tournaments

Cardwell made her major international tournament debut at the in Birmingham, where she featured in all seven matches for , scoring 207 goals at a 92% accuracy rate to rank fourth among the tournament's top goal scorers. In the pool stages, she delivered clinical performances, including a perfect 30/30 against to help secure a dominant 82-15 victory, showcasing her ability to maintain composure under pressure and contribute to 's fast-paced attacking transitions. Despite 's fourth-place finish after a 55-48 loss to , Cardwell's tactical versatility in both goal shooter and goal attack positions provided crucial depth to the shooting circle, allowing rotations that disrupted opponents' defenses. At the in , Cardwell played a pivotal role in 's historic run to the , their first final appearance in the competition. In the quarter-final against , she shot 34/35 goals, helping overturn a deficit for a 56-55 quarter win that propelled forward. Her standout contribution came in the semi-final against , where she scored 25/31 to complement Helen Housby's 21/23, securing a narrow 46-40 victory through precise long-range shooting and rebounding that maintained 's momentum in a tightly contested . In the final against , despite the 61-45 defeat, Cardwell's expressive leadership and key early goals kept competitive, embodying the team's resilient spirit amid defensive pressure. Over the tournament, she amassed 231 goals at 90% accuracy, highlighting her impact in high-stakes scenarios. Cardwell's form continued into the 2024 Netball Nations Cup, where earned silver after a 69-49 loss to in the final in . She starred across the event, including 43/46 goals against in the round-robin match despite a 61-59 defeat, where her exceptional accuracy and positioning in the circle challenged ' defense. In the final, Cardwell converted 31/33 attempts, providing the shooting reliability that kept in contention early before pulled away. Her contributions, including long-range passes executed under fatigue, underscored her role in elevating 's attacking efficiency in decisive moments.

Personal life

Family and background

Eleanor Cardwell was born and raised in , , where her family played a pivotal role in fostering her early interest in sports. Her mother was instrumental in encouraging her involvement in , insisting she join the school team in year five at , which ignited her passion for the sport. This close maternal bond extended beyond initial encouragement, with her mother actively supporting training sessions and helping her transition to local clubs like Netball Club. Cardwell's father also provided substantial practical support during her formative years, often driving her to training sessions in despite the long distances from , where no professional opportunities existed locally. Working in caravan repair with early morning shifts starting at 6 a.m., he would return home as late as 1 a.m. after these trips, demonstrating the family's sacrifices to nurture her talent. The parental influences in shaped her career choices, emphasizing perseverance and family-backed commitment to extracurricular activities. In her adult life, Cardwell has maintained strong family ties amid professional relocations. She shares a supportive relationship with her younger sister, Elizabeth, a non-professional netball player for , who has accompanied her to for international commitments, helping mitigate the challenges of being away from home. Cardwell's partner, Tom, joined her in during the 2022-2023 season, providing emotional stability during her move to the Suncorp Super Netball league with the . These family accompaniments have been crucial in addressing her self-described need for a robust support system abroad, as she identifies strongly as a "homegirl" rooted in her upbringing. Beyond , Cardwell's family engages in non-sporting hobbies that strengthen their bonds, such as caravanning holidays in the with her parents, offering respite from her demanding schedule and travels. Now residing in , , she continues to draw on this familial network for balance during periods of relocation and career transitions.

Advocacy and interests

Cardwell has long incorporated training into her routine, practicing the martial art three nights a week alongside her commitments during her formative years. She credits with building her physical strength and inner resilience, attributes that enhance her tenacity on the court against defenders. A prominent for apparel, Cardwell has spoken openly about the challenges of finding properly fitted , drawing from her own experiences of discomfort and blisters during school sessions. In 2023, she partnered with the NETBALLher campaign, a Nike-backed initiative that distributes free to teenage girls to promote comfort, confidence, and in the sport. She has since become an ambassador for MAAREE, an innovative company, and visited clubs to educate young players on fitting and support, emphasizing that such discussions should not be . In interviews, she has highlighted how inadequate bras exacerbate pain for larger-chested athletes, advocating for their inclusion on school kit lists—currently only 14% of girls report this provision. Following a significant injury in late 2024 that required and a second procedure in early 2025, Cardwell was sidelined for the entire 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season with the Melbourne Mavericks. She adopted a focused rehabilitation mindset, viewing the procedures as necessary steps toward long-term health. Despite initial devastation and fears that her career was over, she shifted to gratitude for the recovery progress, walking within two days after . Although she did not return for the 2025 club season, Cardwell made her comeback for the national team on 15 November 2025 against , expressing resilience and a positive outlook in media appearances to encourage teammates and fans during setbacks. Cardwell engages in community efforts to inspire young netballers, including school visits where she shares skills and her journey to motivate participation among boys and girls. She aims to break down barriers in the sport for the next generation.

Honours

International

Cardwell has been a key member of the , contributing to several major international team achievements.
  • Netball World Cup silver medal (2023): Cardwell was part of the Roses squad that secured silver at the in , , marking the team's first-ever appearance in the final after defeating in the semi-final.
  • Netball Nations Cup silver medal (2024): She helped reach the final of the 2024 Vitality Netball Nations Cup, where they earned silver after a 69–49 loss to in , following a narrow 58–57 semi-final victory over .
  • Vitality Netball International Series winners (2023): Cardwell played a starring role in England's 2–1 series victory over , including scoring 34 goals in the opener (54–51 win) and contributing to the decisive 53–50 third match win to claim the trophy.

Domestic club

Eleanor Cardwell has amassed a collection of team honours across her domestic club career in both the Vitality Netball Superleague (NSL) in and the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) in , primarily with and the . With , where she began her professional career in 2012, Cardwell was part of the squad that captured the NSL title in 2012, defeating Loughborough Lightning in the . The following season, Thunder repeated as champions in 2014, overcoming Storm to secure their second consecutive premiership. Although the team reached the 2016 , they fell short against defending champions Storm by a score of 55–53. After a two-year stint with Severn Stars yielded no major honours, Cardwell rejoined Manchester Thunder in 2019 and contributed to another NSL premiership that year, with a dramatic 57–52 grand final victory over Wasps Netball. Her final season with the club in 2022 culminated in a fourth title, as Thunder completed an undefeated regular season before defeating Loughborough Lightning 60–53 in the grand final. Transitioning to Australia in 2023 with the , Cardwell helped the team achieve their first SSN premiership in 11 years, clinching a 64–62 extra-time win over the in the grand final after earlier progressing through the semi-finals. Her subsequent time with the Mavericks from 2024 onward did not result in any team honours.
ClubLeagueHonourYear
Manchester ThunderVitality Netball SuperleaguePremiership2012
Manchester ThunderVitality Netball SuperleaguePremiership2014
Manchester ThunderVitality Netball SuperleagueGrand Final Runner-up2016
Manchester ThunderVitality Netball SuperleaguePremiership2019
Manchester ThunderVitality Netball SuperleagueMinor Premiership (Undefeated Regular Season) & Premiership2022
Adelaide ThunderbirdsSuncorp Super NetballPremiership2023

Individual awards

Netball Super League

In the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL), Eleanor Cardwell earned prominent individual recognition during her tenure with , highlighting her impact as a goal attack and goal shooter. In , Cardwell was selected to the VII team in the goal attack position, acknowledging her standout performances in the league that season. Cardwell's 2022 season marked her most decorated in the VNSL, where she secured the Players’ Player of the Season award, voted by fellow athletes for her exceptional skill and consistency, having scored 584 goals across the campaign. She also claimed the Fans’ Player of the Season award, reflecting widespread supporter acclaim for her contributions to Thunder's undefeated title-winning run. Additionally, Cardwell earned a spot on the VII team as goal shooter, further cementing her elite status in the league.

Suncorp Super Netball

Cardwell joined the for the , where she earned the Grand Final award following a decisive performance in the premiership decider against the . Shooting 36 out of 39 goals at 92% accuracy, including five super shots, she played a pivotal role in the Thunderbirds' 60-59 extra-time victory, marking her standout debut in the Australian league. In 2024, Cardwell transferred to the inaugural Melbourne Mavericks squad but did not receive any league-specific individual recognitions that season. She missed the entire 2025 campaign due to a injury sustained in late 2024.

References

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