Netball is a popular sport around the world, with millions of players and fans who follow it religiously. One of the biggest names in the sport is Joanne “Jo” Harten, a professional netball player from England. She has been playing netball for many years and has established herself as one of the best in the world. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Jo Harten, and explore what makes her such a superstar in the world of netball.
Early Life and Career
Jo Harten was born on March 21, 1989, in Essex, England. She grew up in a family that loved sports, and from a young age, she showed a natural talent for netball. She began playing netball at the age of six and quickly fell in love with the sport. Harten attended a local school where she continued to play netball and develop her skills. She was soon noticed by the Essex County Netball Association, and she began playing for the county team at the age of 14. Her talent did not go unnoticed, and soon she was offered a scholarship to attend the University of Bath, where she could continue to play netball at a high level while pursuing her studies. At Bath, Harten continued to excel on the netball court, and she was soon scouted by the England national netball team. She made her debut for the team in 2008, and since then, she has become one of the most important players in the squad.
Professional Career
In addition to playing for the England national team, Jo Harten has had a successful professional career. She has played for a number of top teams in the UK, including the Canterbury Tactix, the Northern Mystics, and the Mainland Tactix. One of Harten’s most notable achievements came in 2015 when she helped lead the New South Wales Swifts to the ANZ Championship title. Her performance throughout the tournament was outstanding, and she was named the Most Valuable Player of the Grand Final. Harten has also played in the Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia, where she has established herself as one of the top players in the league. She has played for the Giants Netball team since 2017, and she has been a key part of their success.
Playing Style and Skills
Jo Harten is known for her versatility on the court. She can play in multiple positions, including goal attack and goal shooter. Her height and athleticism make her a threat in the shooting circle, and her passing and movement make her a valuable asset in the attacking third. Harten is also known for her accuracy when shooting. She has a shooting percentage of over 90%, which is one of the highest in the world. Her ability to score from long range and under pressure has made her a valuable player for any team she has played for.
Achievements
Jo Harten has achieved a great deal during her career. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including:
- ANZ Championship Most Valuable Player (2015)
- Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year (2018)
- Vitality Superleague Player of the Season (2019)
- Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (2018)
- Netball World Cup Bronze Medal (2019)
In addition to these individual awards, Harten has also helped lead her teams to a number of titles and championships.
Personal Life
When she is not on the netball court, Jo Harten enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is also a keen traveler and enjoys exploring new places around the world. She is active on social media and often shares photos and updates from her travels and her netball career with her followers.
Harten is also a strong advocate for mental health and wellbeing. In an interview with The Guardian, she spoke openly about her struggles with anxiety and how she manages it while playing at a professional level. She has been praised for her honesty and openness about mental health, and for using her platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around the issue.
Future Plans
Jo Harten is still an active player and has no plans to retire from the sport anytime soon. She is currently playing for the Giants Netball team in the Suncorp Super Netball League and will likely continue to play for the England national team in upcoming international tournaments. In a recent interview with Netball Scoop, Harten spoke about her plans for the future. She expressed her desire to continue to play netball at a high level and to help develop the sport in new markets around the world. She also talked about her interest in coaching and mentoring younger players, and her hope to continue to make a positive impact both on and off the court.
Conclusion
Jo Harten is a superstar in the world of netball, known for her versatility, athleticism, and accuracy on the court. She has achieved a great deal during her career, winning numerous awards and championships and establishing herself as one of the best players in the world. Off the court, Harten is known for her advocacy for mental health and wellbeing, and for her desire to make a positive impact both on and off the court. With her passion for the sport and her commitment to excellence, it is clear that Jo Harten will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of netball for many years to come.