Sharni Layton is a prominent Australian netball player who has won the hearts of fans with her skill, passion, and determination. She is known for her tenacious style of play, physicality, and ability to dominate on court. But beyond her impressive performances on the court, Layton is also known for her generous and kind-hearted nature. In this article, we will take a closer look at Sharni Layton’s life, career, and achievements.
Early Life and Education
Sharni Layton was born on January 6, 1988, in Melbourne, Victoria. She grew up in the suburb of Diamond Creek, and from a young age, she showed a keen interest in sports. Layton played basketball and football, but it was not until she was 10 years old that she discovered netball. She quickly fell in love with the sport and joined the Diamond Creek Netball Club.
Layton attended Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, where she excelled both academically and on the sports field. She played netball for the school’s team and was a key player in their success. After finishing high school, Layton went on to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University.
Netball Career
Layton’s netball career began in earnest when she was selected to play for the Victorian Fury in the Australian Netball League. She quickly established herself as a talented defender and was soon called up to the Melbourne Vixens, one of the top teams in the Suncorp Super Netball league.
Layton played for the Vixens for four seasons, from 2013 to 2016, during which time she was named the team’s MVP on two occasions. She was also selected to play for the Australian Diamonds, the national netball team, and was a member of the squad that won the Netball World Cup in 2015.
In 2017, Layton signed with the Collingwood Magpies, where she continued to impress fans and teammates alike with her aggressive style of play and unwavering determination. She retired from professional netball in 2018, citing mental health concerns as the reason for her decision.
Achievements and Awards
Throughout her career, Layton has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Some of her most notable achievements include:
- Winning the Netball World Cup with the Australian Diamonds in 2015
- Being named the Melbourne Vixens MVP in 2014 and 2015
- Being named the Australian Diamonds Player of the Year in 2016
- Being named the International Player of the Year by the England Netball Association in 2016
Personal Life and Advocacy
Off the court, Layton is known for her bubbly personality and her commitment to helping others. She is an ambassador for the R U OK? suicide prevention charity and has spoken publicly about her own struggles with mental health. Layton is also a keen advocate for gender equality in sport and has spoken out about the need for greater support for female athletes.