Welsh netball captain inspiring the next generation on and off the court

Written for Cymru Women’s Sport by Alex Bousfield

**Bethan getting her 75th cap for the Welsh Feathers.**

Bethan Dyke is the star Welsh Netball player who has earned 77 Welsh caps and counting. The netballer started in 2014 with her debut Welsh Feather appearance against the Republic of Ireland. Since then, she has competed in three Commonwealth Games and two World Cups for Wales. Bethan is the current captain of the Welsh Feathers, and says, “it is incredible, and I still think every time I step out on court, I have to pinch myself and think that it has been an amazing journey.”

The 30-year-old has played for the Cardiff Dragon, Severn Stars and Team Bath in the Netball Super league. This year she has returned to her Cardiff roots to play for the Dragons in their 2025 season. “To be back with Cardiff, I’m really excited for the season to start. It’s the franchise that gave me my first opportunity at Super League, so to be back is really exciting,” she says.

Alongside representing Wales and the Dragons, Bethan is also a part-time PE teacher. This has meant she has had to be organised and prepared to balance all of her commitments. She says that she loves her job and is able to help the younger generation of kids getting into sport. “The benefit of sport are just amazing, and I would not have had those experiences without sport,” she says. Bethan believes that sport was able to improve her confidence, establish herself as a leadership figure and give her the ability to meet new people and connect with them. Bethan thought it was important for younger girls to, “go and try something new because you don’t know if you are going to enjoy it if you haven’t tried it.”

From a young age, Bethan did as much sport as she could, participating in swimming, gymnastics and also netball. Bethan got her start in netball at primary school and carried on all the way through school. “I used to watch my mum play and watching her from a young age I knew it was something that I really wanted to do,” she says. The team aspect also made her want to carry on with netball. She says that the friends she has made throughout her netball career are what have made it all so special.

Netball being a team sport means that everyone has to work together cohesively to achieve a successful team. Although the players on the court have to work together, it involves a larger team off the court as well. “The team behind the team are so valuable and they give so much to us,” she says. This includes physiotherapists, nutritionists, doctors, coaches and so many more people.

Having sustained two serious knee injuries throughout her career, Bethan said that her support team, as well as her teammates were what made the difference in her returning to top level netball. Bethan tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on both her left and right side at different times. Each one meant surgery and nine months of rehabilitation.

Coming back from two such serious injuries is what Bethan is most proud of in her career. In order to stay positive during her recovery she set small goals to see progress. She said that her support bubble was vital to making sure that she never felt rushed in her recovery and enabling her to return gradually. “I never take anything for granted. After my injuries, you just never know what game is going to be your last. I have that mindset now that I am so lucky every time I get to put on a dress, whether it is club or country, it is an amazing achievement,” Bethan says.