International Women's Day Special: Interview with Harry Bignell

First up, we spoke with Harry Bignell in the Women’s Senior squad. Harry certainly isn’t a stranger to the game, she holds a wealth of experience at international and club level and is known for her passion and dedication to the sport. This is what Harry had to say about mixed dodgeball and the Women’s squad:

What does it mean to be a Woman in the England squad?

“Making it onto the England Women's Squad felt like the most wonderful recognition of the work I have put into becoming the best dodgeballer I can be across the years, with the help of some fantastic teammates and coaches. It's fantastic to see the women's sport developing, even just in the past year alone and wonderful to be part of a female squad that is going from strength to strength.”

What are your views on mixed Dodgeball?

“Mixed dodgeball is a fantastic opportunity for female players to show our diversity as we change our game play entirely to suit the different dynamic on court. The idea that women should just facilitate men’s play in mixed is in my opinion a misapprehension and I look forward to seeing some incredible female athletes showing how women can also be an asset on a mixed team.”

What female athlete inspires you and why?

“I think Ellen MacArthur is an incredibly inspiring sportswoman. I love seeing determined powerful females take to what has predominantly been perceived as a male sport and absolutely smash it!”

Are there any personal targets would you like to achieve at International level?

“In terms of international aspirations, being a part of England's mixed team is a big goal for me. The challenge and speed of mixed dodgeball are incredibly exciting to me and the opportunity to do this at the highest standard possible in such an incredible venue would be a real honour.”

What would you say your biggest strength is as a player?

“I think my biggest strength in the sport is also my biggest downfall and that is my passion for the sport. Dodgeball for me has been genuinely life changing, defining my university life and subsequent social life (tragic but true). My love for the sport and drive to be the best I can means I never stop working at it. It can also mean that I am far too emotionally invested, necessitating my mum to say every so often “It’s only a game!”.”