Netball Super League | Four-time NSL winner Laura Malcolm announces retirement from international and domestic netball

After an impressive career spanning 14 years with Manchester Thunder and 61 caps with Vitality Roses, Laura Malcolm has officially stepped back from the centre court to focus on the role of Technical Support Coach at Manchester Thunder.

Having dominated the netball court and showcased her talent with Manchester Thunder, Severn Stars, and overseas with Mainland Tactix, Malcolm has left an indelible mark on the netball world. Her contributions were pivotal in securing Manchester Thunder’s four Netball Super League titles, and she played a crucial role in helping the Vitality Roses clinch the silver medal at the 2023 Netball World Cup.

Announcing her retirement today, Malcolm said, “I’m retiring from all netball. It’s been a bit of a wild season, but one thing I know for sure is that the opportunity I’ve had at Manchester Thunder on the coaching bench has been something that I’ve really loved. So I guess it’s quite an easy decision to step away from the playing and get going under the coaching.”

Karen Greig, Manchester Thunder Head Coach and Franchise Director, expressed her thoughts on Malcolm’s player retirement, “As Laura steps into retirement, I want to express how amazing she has been for us and for the incredible journey and service she has given to Manchester Thunder over the past 14 years (with a couple of detours.) Laura’s dedication, passion, and remarkable talent have inspired countless fans and aspiring netballers near and far.”

“I’m so happy that I get to continue to work with a massive netballing geek who brings so much now off court at Manchester Thunder and is each week becoming more impressive as a coach and leader. We keep it fun along the way and I’m excited to see how this next chapter plays out for Laura.”

@ljmalcolm1 has today announced that she’s hanging up her #netball trainers and retiring from playing all netball, instead focusing on the role of Technical Support Coach at Manchester Thunder 💛🖤

Head coach @kjgreigy said, “As Laura steps into retirement, I want to express how… pic.twitter.com/gLeuFMGV0v

— Manchester Thunder (@thundernetball) June 12, 2024

On the world stage, Laura made her debut for the Vitality Roses against Barbados in 2012.

A strong leader on and beyond the court, she co-captained the side across several series in 2019 and 2020, and then achieved something she’d ‘been dreaming about for pretty much [her] whole life’: a Commonwealth Games debut at Birmingham 2022. 

Renowned for her positional flexibility, her final appearance wearing the famous red dress came in the historic 2023 Netball World Cup final as England won silver.

At club level, the Wolverhampton-born player retires as one of the most decorated players in Netball Super League history having lifted the trophy four times with Manchester Thunder in 2012, 2014, 2019 and 2022, captaining the team to an undefeated campaign in their most recent title win.

Different years, same @ljmalcolm1 passion 👊#VNSL2022 | @thundernetball pic.twitter.com/maBZmZTvC2

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 6, 2022

In between her two spells with the North West side, Laura captained Severn Stars in their inaugural Netball Super League campaign.

She also enjoyed a move to New Zealand where she represented Mainland Tactix in 2023 before returning to Manchester Thunder as Technical Support Coach for the Super League squad and Head of Pathways for the 2024 season.

Sharing a cherished memory from playing together, Karen Greig reminisced, “One of my favourite memories is Laura as my team mate, with Thunder’s first title and her player of the match performance back in 2012 and I really think this was the start of a memorable career for her. Laura has always demonstrated the true spirit of sportsmanship and excellence. Her achievements are a testament to the hard work and perseverance both on and off court and she will be truly missed.”

“Beyond Laura’s impressive four NSL titles and the success with England Netball, especially that silver medal at the Netball World Cup in 2023, she has shown us the importance of determination, resilience, and teamwork. A true role model, not only through her successes but also through her humility, fun, caring nature and commitment to giving back.”

Malcolm concluded:

“I just want to say a massive thanks to all the coaches that have helped me on my journey. So many people have gone into getting me to where I want to go in order to achieve my dreams. That includes all the coaches and the fans for the support that you’ve given me. It’s been one heck of a ride, but I’m certainly excited to get going on the next one.”

“And this way I get to still be a part of netball, and still be a part of the team without all of the fitness tests, the court sprints, the training and the sore knees. So yeah, it’s goodbye for the playing, I’m hanging the playing trainers up and getting the coaches hat on. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me over these years. Over and out.”

To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter.