Gabby Marshall announces retirement from elite netball

Birmingham Panthers captain Gabby Marshall has announced her retirement from elite netball following a second concussion sustained during the 2025 Netball Super League season. On medical advice, Gabby will be unavailable for the remainder of the season, and in a move to prioritise her long-term health she has taken the tough decision not to return to elite netball.

Gabby Marshall, Birmingham Panthers Captain 2025 - Photo Credit - Ben Lumley

Over the last few weeks while she has been recovering, the NPA have been in regular contact with Gabby checking on both her physical and mental well-being. Speaking to her this weekend she said, "Although this isn’t how I planned the end of my netball career, it’s times like this when you really learn who is in your corner. The NPA have been a huge support network for me whilst recovering and I’ve no doubt will continue to be there for me over the coming weeks and months as I navigate my early retirement!"

 NPA has provided advice on concussion to members and through regular  meetings  with medics and industry experts ensures that members have access to the best support and guidance. This work is ongoing and is being extended to include a focus group of players, who like Gabby, have had experience of concussions in netball.

Gabby is the second player in recent seasons too site concussion as their main reason from retirement, her former teammate Bekah Airey being the other in season 2023. 

Gabby has been a familiar face in NSL since her debut with Manchester Thunder in 2013. This was followed by successful stints with Mavericks and Severn Stars, where she captained the team to a fourth-place finish in 2024, finally leading the inaugural Birmingham Panthers squad in 2025. Internationally, she represented England U21s at the 2017 Netball Youth World Cup, earning a bronze medal, and made her senior England debut the same year.

Gabby’s leadership, resilience, and commitment have seen her recover from a number of injuries to return to court in the past. Her experiences on and off the court have led her to gain qualifications in coaching and mentoring, working as an athlete mentor for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and as a Coach and Transition Specialist alongside retired England Rose, Serena Guthrie at Humanise Solutions.

We wish Gabby all the best for her future and know she won't be a stranger to the sport as although we won't see her on court again, her value far extends the incredible on court ability she's shown over the last 12 years.