Alumnae Olivia Murphy and Ama Agbeze have seen their contribution to netball rewarded as they were inducted into the England Netball Hall of Fame on Saturday 15 September.

Olivia has long been associated with Loughborough, having graduated from the University with a BSc in Economics in 1998. She is currently the Loughborough Lightning Netball Franchise Director, after spells as Head Coach and Assistant Coach.

Most people, however, know her for her on court accolades, which include 95 international caps, a large proportion of those coming as England captain between 2000-2006. During her spell playing for the England Roses, Murphy won World Championship bronze as well as a pair of Commonwealth Games bronze medals in 1998 and 2006, the latter alongside Ama.

Already a member of both the Loughborough University and Loughborough Lightning Hall of Fame, Olivia spoke of her delight at being inducted into the England Netball equivalent, commenting:

“I am very proud to have been recognised by England Netball in this way. I am humbled to join such a prestigious group of people and thankful to all the people that have supported me throughout my journey.”

Ama has enjoyed similar success to her former England and Lightning teammate, making her international debut in 2001 and being named England captain some 15 years later. Two years on, Agbeze captained the side to England Netball’s greatest achievement, winning gold at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

The goal keeper/defender has enjoyed two stints with Lightning as well as playing for the University during her time studying Finance and Management, from which she graduated in 2007 with an MSc.

Congratulations to both Olivia and Ama on their achievement!