Helen Housby Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Helen Housby

Helen Housby MBE is a world-renowned English professional netball player, celebrated for her exceptional skill as a Goal Attack and Goal Shooter. She is most famously known for scoring the last-second, match-winning goal for England against Australia in the 2018 Commonwealth Games final, securing a historic gold medal for her country. This iconic moment is considered one of the greatest in netball history and significantly raised the sport’s profile in the United Kingdom. Housby has been a pivotal member of the England national team, the Vitality Roses, since her debut in 2014. In her club career, she has achieved significant success in both England’s Netball Superleague with Manchester Thunder and Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball league, where she is a multiple-time champion and two-time MVP with the New South Wales Swifts.

Helen Housby Overview

Early Life and Education of Helen Housby

Helen Housby was born on January 19, 1995, in Carlisle, Cumbria, England. She grew up in a rural farming environment, an upbringing that she credits with shaping her character and instilling a strong work ethic. Life in the countryside, surrounded by animals, helped build her natural strength and agility from a young age. Housby attended The Nelson Thomlinson School, where she developed her passion for sports, participating in various activities including football and athletics before netball became her primary focus. Her dedication to academics was as strong as her commitment to sport, which led her to pursue higher education at the University of Manchester. There, she successfully balanced the demands of elite sport with her studies, ultimately earning a degree in Zoology, a field inspired by her love for animals which began during her rural childhood.

Helen Housby’s Career

Helen Housby’s exceptional talent for netball was identified when she was just 15 years old at a North West talent festival. This led to her joining the Manchester Thunder pathway under the guidance of coaches Karen Greig and Tracey Neville. Despite facing a demanding five-hour round trip for training sessions five times a week, Housby’s commitment never wavered, and she never missed a session. She made her senior debut for Manchester Thunder in 2013 and quickly became a regular starter. Her breakthrough moment came in the 2014 Netball Superleague Grand Final, where she scored a dramatic long-range winning goal in the final seconds against Surrey Storm, securing the title for her team and foreshadowing her future clutch performances.

In 2017, seeking to compete in the world’s premier netball league, Housby made the significant move to Australia to join the New South Wales Swifts in the Suncorp Super Netball league. The transition was challenging, but she adapted quickly, becoming a cornerstone of the team’s attack. Her tenure with the Swifts has been immensely successful; she has been instrumental in leading the team to two Premiership titles in 2019 and 2021 and has played in three Grand Finals. In recognition of her stellar performances, she has been named the Swifts’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice, in 2023 and 2024. By 2024, she had played over 100 games for the club, becoming a Swifts Centurion.

Housby’s international career with the England Roses is equally distinguished. She made her debut in 2014 at the Commonwealth Games. However, it was the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia, that cemented her legendary status. In a thrilling final against the host nation, Housby received the ball in the dying seconds with the scores tied 51-51. Displaying incredible composure, she scored the winning goal as time expired, clinching an unprecedented gold medal for England. This moment not only marked a historic victory but also led to the England team winning the BBC Sports Team of the Year Award and the BBC Greatest Sporting Moment of the Year in 2018. Housby has consistently been a key player for England, contributing to a bronze medal at the 2015 and 2019 Netball World Cups, and a historic silver medal at the 2023 Netball World Cup, where she was named both the Player of the Tournament and the ‘Best Shooter’.

Helen Housby Personal Life & Family

Helen Housby is known for being private about her personal life and relationships. Raised on a farm in rural Cumbria, she maintains a strong connection to her family and her down-to-earth roots. Her mother, Gillian, was inspired by her daughter’s success and returned to the sport through England Netball’s ‘Back to Netball’ scheme. Housby has expressed that moving to Australia at 21 was a significant life experience that fostered independence and confidence. Beyond the court, she is an avid fan of Manchester United F.C. and grew up admiring David Beckham. She uses her social media platform to share glimpses of her life, which includes travel, time with family, and moments with her rescue cat, Roger. A video of her performing a TikTok dance during an England game went viral in 2022, showcasing her fun-loving personality.

Awards and Achievements of Helen Housby

• MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Netball – 2024.
• Netball World Cup Player of the Tournament – 2023.
• Netball World Cup Best Shooter – 2023.
• Commonwealth Games Gold Medal – 2018.
• Netball World Cup Silver Medal – 2023.
• Netball World Cup Bronze Medal – 2015, 2019.
• Fast5 Netball World Series Gold Medal – 2017.
• Suncorp Super Netball Champion (New South Wales Swifts) – 2019, 2021.
• New South Wales Swifts MVP – 2023, 2024.
• Netball Superleague Champion (Manchester Thunder) – 2014.
• BBC Sports Team of the Year Award (with England Netball team) – 2018.
• BBC Greatest Sporting Moment of the Year (with England Netball team) – 2018.

Helen Housby Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Helen Housby’s net worth is estimated to be over $1 million. Her income is primarily derived from her professional netball contracts with the New South Wales Swifts in Australia’s lucrative Suncorp Super Netball league and her central contract with England Netball. Reports suggest that top professional netball players in Australia can earn significant salaries, and her status as one of the world’s leading shooters places her in the upper echelon of earners. Additionally, her income is supplemented by various endorsement deals and sponsorships, including a notable partnership with Red Bull, becoming the brand’s first-ever netball athlete. Her public profile and considerable social media following also provide opportunities for commercial partnerships and speaking engagements.

Legacy and Influence

Helen Housby’s legacy is defined by her ability to perform under immense pressure and her role in elevating the profile of netball globally. Her gold medal-winning shot at the 2018 Commonwealth Games is widely cited as a watershed moment for the sport in England, inspiring over 130,000 women and girls to take up or return to netball. She has become an influential role model for aspiring athletes, demonstrating the rewards of dedication, resilience, and fearlessness. Housby is a vocal advocate for the professionalization and increased visibility of women’s sports, using her platform to campaign for greater recognition and to inspire the next generation. Having grown up with mainly male sporting idols, she is passionate about being a visible female icon for young girls. Her journey from rural Cumbria to international stardom serves as a powerful testament to her talent and unwavering commitment.

Interesting Facts about Helen Housby

• She holds a degree in Zoology from the University of Manchester.
• Housby is a lifelong supporter of Manchester United Football Club, with David Beckham being her childhood role model.
• Before focusing on netball, she was a talented football player and also competed in athletics, including high jump and the 100 meters.
• A video of her performing a TikTok dance to a Lizzo track while waiting for a centre pass during a game went viral, amassing over 1.1 million views.
• She made her senior debut for England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games at the age of 19, where she roomed with Jo Harten, a player she had previously admired as a fan.
• She is the first-ever netball player to be sponsored by Red Bull.
• In December 2023, she signed a contract extension that will keep her at the NSW Swifts until at least the end of the 2026 season.

Controversies

There are no publicly documented controversies involving Helen Housby. She is widely regarded as a consummate professional and a positive ambassador for the sport of netball.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram (@helenhousby1) – Over 192,800 followers.
• Twitter – Information not disclosed
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Helen Housby

Helen Housby continues to be a dominant force in international and domestic netball. As a key leader for both the NSW Swifts and the England Roses, she remains at the peak of her powers. Her influence extends far beyond her on-court achievements; she is a trailblazer who has helped redefine what is possible for female athletes and has played a crucial role in netball’s growing popularity. Having already secured a place in sporting history, her focus remains on future triumphs, with a Netball World Cup gold medal being a primary ambition. As she continues to compete and inspire, Helen Housby’s legacy as one of netball’s all-time greats is secure, marked by her incredible talent, mental fortitude, and profound impact on the game.