Bio
Emma’s netball journey began in Year 2 in London, where her talent quickly became apparent. She was selected for the Surrey Storm U15 NPL side, marking the start of her competitive netball career. In 2018, Emma was chosen for the England Roses Academy, an achievement that led her to represent England U17 at Netball Europe and participate in an England tour against powerhouse teams from New Zealand and Australia.
Continuing her international success, Emma has also been a key player for the FAST5 England squad, competing for two consecutive seasons since 2022. This fast-paced version of netball allowed her to showcase her skills on the international stage, further enhancing her experience and versatility as a player. Her inclusion in the FAST5 squad highlights her adaptability and high-performance level across various formats of the game.
Her professional netball career, in the NSL has progressed rapidly, and since 2020, she has played for NSL teams London Pulse and Loughborough Lightning. Emma made a move to Mavericks for the 2023-24 season, continuing her impressive rise in the sport.
Off the court, Emma has also excelled academically. In the summer of 2024, she graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Geography and Sports Sciences, successfully balancing her studies with her elite netball career.
Info
Date of Birth
22nd August 2003
Nationality
England
Position
Attack – GA/GS
Height
189cm
Joined
2023-24 Season
NSL Stats
Emma Thacker NSL Profile
Emma Thacker returns for the 2027 season after another influential campaign both on and off the court. Stepping into the captaincy role in 2026 following Ellie Rattu’s injury, Emma showcased her leadership qualities while continuing to prove herself as a key attacking threat in the shooting circle.
Despite being ruled out for the latter stages of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury in Round 9, Emma produced several standout moments throughout the campaign. She was named the Amex Super Shooter in Round 8 after a memorable long-range effort against Loughborough Lightning and recorded 11 Super Shots in the London derby at the Copper Box.
Away from matchdays, Emma continued to play a vital role in strengthening the Mavericks community, representing the club through multiple school visits, coaching sessions and grassroots initiatives.
Speaking about her connection with the Mavericks, Emma highlights the culture, people and shared ambition that make the club so special, both on and off the court.
“I love this club, everything it stands for and the culture we’re continuing to create. We have an exceptional group of people who push each other to be better every day, and I’m excited to be part of the journey as we continue to grow and push women’s sport forwards.”
