Netball Super League | Hannah Passmore thriving in fresh start at Cardiff Dragons

Image: Gareth Everett

A fresh start is helping Hannah Passmore thrive.

The goal shooter made the switch from Team Bath to Cardiff Dragons ahead of the new season, and has hit the ground running in the Welsh capital.

A Player of the Match performance on debut at the Season Opener was the perfect introduction to her new fans, while a 100% shooting rate against Manchester Thunder the week after was a signal that she is ready to fully establish her name in the Netball Super League.

And the 23-year-old revealed it has all been about simply enjoying her netball again.

A debut Dragon 🐉

🏅 Congratulations to @hannahpassmore1 on receiving the @Kissimmee Player of the Match Award, after making a strong impact at goal shooter. #NSl2024 | #SeeUsNow pic.twitter.com/66k6dOg1GS

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 17, 2024

“It was quite a difficult decision for me, I had been at Bath for a long time and made some amazing memories but I think a new challenge was needed,” she said.

“For me it was about trying a new environment and having a different opportunity. I am still at Bath studying but being able to go somewhere external to train and play was something I really needed to get out of the environment I am in all the time and I am really enjoying it. It was hugely about getting out of my comfort zone.

“I am just really enjoying my new team and getting more court time. I have had a few difficult seasons previously so I am just really grateful for the opportunity. I am getting on really well with the coaches and that’s showing with how I play on court.

“It is really great to be rewarded for all the hard work I have done and showcasing I am a strong, tough player to play against and I am really hardworking. I am just really wanting to enjoy it and make sure the love of netball is still there.”

A new beginning for Passmore coincides with a fresh look and feel for Dragons, who entered the 2024 campaign with a new name and branding.

There have also been plenty of changes in the playing personnel, with head coach Jill McIntosh continuing to shape the side after arriving towards the end of last season.

💪 Holding the player
👋 Holding onto the feed
😮 Holding your nerve

@hannahpassmore notches another up for @cardiffdragons as both sides battle on to take the edge 🤏#NSL2024 l #SeeUsNow pic.twitter.com/l3r1uAf34o

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 17, 2024

And Passmore revealed McIntosh staying in Cardiff was a big part of her decision to make the move across the Severn Bridge.

“The culture and the rebranding to Cardiff Dragons was also really exciting,” she added. “It aligned with me wanting to have a fresh start and something new.

“Within that comes being able to say what you want to see out of the season as well, what was made clear was that the players’ voices were really valued. That’s really great to have in the beginning of a new season.

“I had some chats with previous players and heard nothing but good things. That was the starting point and then hearing that Jill was coming back was amazing, she is a renowned coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience and that really drew me to Dragons.

“Jill is honestly an amazing coach, she is so cool, calm, and collected but at the same time she is so knowledgeable, her netball technical and tactical knowledge is amazing.”

What a start to the @NetballSL season for @cardiffdragons_ goal shooter Hannah Passmore 🏐#BBCNetball pic.twitter.com/UUntwmUcxO

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) February 28, 2024

A switch to Cardiff has meant a more hectic life than before, as Passmore balances her netball with studying criminology in Bath.

But her early season form seems to imply that the change has suited her, but the shooter is insistent that there is still more to come from her and Dragons.

“I was definitely feeling nervous for the Season Opener,” she said. “It was an amazing game and an amazing atmosphere, it was a great experience to play in front of such a big crowd on TV.

“It was incredible to get Player of the Match for that game, but it was the whole team out there putting in an amazing performance.

“We know we can challenge the top teams and we want to be a top team, we now we can compete and we proved that against Manchester Thunder for a half but we need to chip away in training in how we are keeping that full 60-minute performance.

“We have surprised a lot of people. People have always said Dragons are one to watch out for but no one is actually realising how great a team we can be and how we can challenge those top teams as well as attempting to be one of those top teams.”

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