Breakout Netball Super League star Alanna Pullen has admitted she is shocked to be a fan favourite in her debut season. The 21-year-old from Bromsgrove has impressed for Birmingham Panthers, catching the eye with her performances and engaging with supporters on social media.
From NXT Gen to Super League
Pullen represented England at the Netball Youth World Cup last year, where she was coached by Birmingham Panthers boss Sonia Mkoloma. She impressed for Team Bath's NXT Gen squad before receiving her first NSL call-up. Now, she is shining at the highest level while finishing her sports science degree at the University of Bath.
Embracing the Role Model Status
Pullen says she receives numerous messages from younger fans on Instagram, asking for advice or photos. She loves engaging with them, but sometimes experiences imposter syndrome. 'I get imposter syndrome sometimes if people are asking me for photos. I'm like, 'With me?'' she said. 'I would have done anything when I was younger to get a response or to have a photo with one of the Super League players, so I think it is just nice to be able to interact with everyone.' She emphasised that being a role model is part of being an athlete, and she wants to show a positive light to those who look up to her.
Overcoming Setbacks
Pullen regularly missed out on England age grade selection before finally breaking in at Under-21 level. She impressed at last year's Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar under Mkoloma's tutelage. 'I think it's really important to show the setbacks as well,' she added. 'I've been very open saying, 'I didn't get into England for the first four years that I trialled.' It really hurt me. I didn't know where I was going to go from it afterwards.' She uses social media to show that the journey is not linear and that hard work pays off.
Position Switch Key to Rise
Key to Pullen's rise has been her switch to wing attack, having arrived at university as a goal attack. A summer of hard work with Anya Le Monnier was crucial. 'She spent all summer working with me one-to-one and just coaching me the wing attack brain,' Pullen said. 'I hated it for the first year but then she spent that whole summer working with me, just individually, doing circle edge stuff. I came back, got into England, had a great season at NXTGen as a wing attack, and then the rest is history.'
Partnership with Mkoloma at Panthers
Pullen has continued her partnership with Mkoloma at Panthers, where they earned their first Netball Super League win of the season against LexisNexis Dragons in Round 7. Having a familiar face in training has been key. 'It was a step up, but I knew I had a coach in Sonia who believed in me,' she added. 'She wouldn't put me in the position if she didn't think I was ready. When I first signed, she said: 'It's a big step and I'm putting a lot of pressure on you, but I know that you're ready.' That gave me a lot of confidence.' Pullen also noted that Mkoloma's high standards and direct approach were a shock to some players, but she appreciates it.
Aiming High for the Future
With a brilliant start to her debut Netball Super League season, Pullen is aiming high. 'The ultimate dream is to play for the Roses at senior level. I think that's probably every little girl's dream,' she said. 'That's definitely something that's my top goal. I think you can't take every little thing for granted. Being in my first year of Super League, I want to get a few more years here under my belt, get some more experience and exposure playing different people, learning from different people, different coaches.'
