International netballer and Scottish Thistles captain, Emily Nicholl on Glasgow 2026, ‘beast mode’, and leading with passion 

How do you balance competing and working full-time as a lawyer?

It’s quite chaotic, particularly when you’re in the lead up to a major competition. I’m now five years qualified as a lawyer, and I’ve only ever been an international netballer at the same time, so they’ve always gone hand in hand. Don’t get me wrong – there are days when I don’t have butter in my fridge and the washing is piling up, but then you have the most amazing training session, and you realise why you do it.

What is it that netball offers that sets it apart?

There are links between all team sports, but for me as a defender, there’s that tactical breakdown element. I always describe how I play as ‘beast mode.’ Off the court, I wouldn’t think I’m that aggressive a person – but as soon as I get onto that court, it does take over you. You have this insane need to hunt the ball down and to take your opponent out of the game, and I just love that feeling – when you get that intercept and you’ve rewarded your team.

Credit: Craig Watson/Netball Scotland

You’ve played at two previous Commonwealth Games. What wisdom would you bring from that experience to the Glasgow 2026 Games?

If I get selected for Glasgow 2026, I really want to make sure I soak it all in. I’ve always put a lot of pressure on myself at previous games, but it goes by so quickly, so I’d want to take the time to really embrace the experience. You do all the hard work so you can go and enjoy that moment.

As netball takes centre stage at Glasgow’s Hydro, how would you love to see the sport grow?

It’s a huge opportunity for us to raise the profile of the sport and show the world how amazing it is. We are constantly battling for sponsorship. Linked to that is an increase of participation in netball – so from grassroots all the way up to elite level. There’s nothing I would love more than to walk into any school in Scotland and for them to first of all, know what netball is, and second of all, know the national team.

When did you realise your own potential in sport?

May will mark 10 years since I got my first cap. So 2016 was an absolute springboard. I had been playing at Edinburgh University, and in my fourth year, the Scottish Thistles national coach at the time – Gail Parata – saw me play. That night, I got an email asking me if I would join the squads. Within six months, I got my first cap, and then got the opportunity to compete within the UK Super League.

As captain, what’s your approach to keeping the squad tight-knit and driven throughout the season?

If I look back at how I captained when I was at university, I’m kind of mortified. I was probably a bit of a dictator. Leadership is an evolving journey. Right now, we have a particularly young group, and I’m the oldest, so you need to make sure your people follow you. It’s about really understanding what makes people tick and trying to work out how we bring the best out of that person. I lead by passion. If you watch me play on the netball court, you know I will go into battle for those girls.

What have you loved most about being on court?

When we were lining up to play New Zealand in the test series: you’re standing there singing the anthem with the dress on and looking out at the crowd, and there’s just this overwhelming feeling of passion. I always say the netball court is where I’m my true self. There’s the pride of seeing your friends and family when you play, and a huge part for me is hopefully inspiring the next generation.