Playing Netball with Epilepsy: My 5 Best Tips for Thriving On and Off the Court By Matilda Ryan
Approximately 250,000 Australians — about 1% of the population — are living with epilepsy. I’m one of them.I’ve been managing my epilepsy since I was eight years old. At times it has felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders — something that impacts every corner of my life. But there’s one place where I can leave those worries on the sideline: the netball court.
Netball has always been more than just a sport for me. It’s my outlet my therapy and the place where I feel most free. When I step on court I’m not thinking about my condition. I’m thinking about my teammates the next pass the goal we need — and that’s incredibly powerful. Netball makes me feel strong seen and capable even on the hardest days.If you’re living with epilepsy and love netball like I do or if you’re just curious about how to balance a medical condition with your love of sport here are my five best tips for managing epilepsy while playing netball.
1. Know Your Triggers and Stick to Your Plan
Understanding your epilepsy is key. Everyone’s condition is different so having a clear management plan with your doctor is essential. For me things like dehydration lack of sleep and stress can be triggers. So I make sure I’m well-rested before a game drink plenty of water and eat regularly.Sticking to a consistent routine gives me confidence — and that confidence translates into how I play.
2. Communicate with Your Team and Coach
This one changed everything for me. Being open about my condition was scary at first — I worried people might treat me differently. But what I found was support not judgment. Just knowing that my coach and teammates understand my management plan — and my fears — makes me feel safe and seen.It also breaks down that isolating feeling of going through this alone. You’re not a burden you’re part of a team. And your team wants to have your back.
3. Don’t Let Self-Doubt Win
There are moments when I still feel overwhelmed. I ask myself “What if something happens on court?” But then I remember how netball makes me feel — strong focused free. It’s a reminder that epilepsy doesn’t define me. It’s okay to have fears but don’t let them take away something you love. You are capable and your love for the game is more powerful than the doubt.
4. Lean on Your Community
I’d be lost without my netball club. It’s more than just a group of players — it’s a community that lifts me up. A bad day can turn around in an instant when I walk through those gates. The friendships the laughter the shared goals — they make everything feel lighter. Find your people. Whether it’s your club your family or an epilepsy support group — community makes all the difference.
5. Celebrate What You CAN Do
Sometimes when you live with a condition like epilepsy you focus so much on limitations. But netball reminds me of what I can do — sprint pass defend shoot lead laugh. I’ve had days where I felt like giving up and yet netball has always pulled me back to my feet. Celebrate the small wins. Every training every quarter played every connection you make — they all count.
Final Thoughts
I hope I can play netball forever. It’s more than a sport to me — it’s my freedom. And if you’re living with epilepsy and love netball too know that it is possible. You are not alone and you have so much to offer — to your team your community and yourself.
Epilepsy might be a part of your story but it doesn’t have to be the end of your netball dreams. Lace up those ASICS, show up and play your heart out.
By Matilda Ryan