Herts and Essex High School student and London Pulse player Gracie Smith becomes youngest player in history to sign professionally for Netball Super League club

Herts and Essex High School student Gracie Smith has made history by becoming the youngest player to sign professionally for a Netball Super League club.

The 15-year-old Year 11 pupil has been named in the 10-strong London Pulse squad for the forthcoming top-flight campaign.

Smith, who plays centre and wing defence, has enjoyed an incredible few years representing London Mavericks - formerly known as Saracens Mavericks - at under-15, under-17 and under-19 level.

The talented teenager has also featured for England under-17s and was recently selected for the Roses Academy, which is part of the England Netball Player Pathway and supports young athletes on their journey towards being potential senior internationals.

Smith, who will be 16 when the 2025 NSL competition begins, is one of three new players in the Pulse squad.

“She is such an amazing young talent, a really rangy player,” said head coach and chief executive Sam Bird. “She’s got arms for days and a really good athletic ability that suits our DNA.

“A natural ball winner, strong through the court and when we were looking at a centre/wing defence to come in, we were looking around at some of the older players but Gracie will thrive in this environment.

“She’s ready to step up and play, she is very coachable and she fits the mould of other young athletes we have taken on before.

“There’s no pressure from us on her, she is free to shine. She is committed to us and she is someone we can work on and work with.

“She will be a challenge for players and will slow up opposition attacks.”