Wales international Sarie Watkins balances elite netball with teaching ambitions at Cardiff Met

From World Cup appearances to the classroom, Cardiff Met PGCE student Sarie Watkins is combining international netball with her ambition to become a primary school teacher.

Representing Wales on the international stage, preparing for another season with the LexisNexis Dragons and completing a postgraduate teaching qualification. For Cardiff Metropolitan University student Sarie Watkins, finding the right balance between sport and education has become an important part of everyday life.

The Welsh international is currently studying for a PGCE in Primary Education at Cardiff Met while continuing her netball career with the Dragons' NXT Gen squad and Wales Under-21s.

Having already represented Wales at the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa and the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, Watkins has experienced some of the biggest occasions in international netball.

One moment in particular stands out.

"A clear standout highlight for me has to be playing against one of, if not the best defender in the world currently, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey at the 2023 World Cup in South Africa," she said.

"However, my most recent World (youth) Cup in Gibraltar with the under 21’s was also a very proud moment for me and my family."

Watkins has also gained experience in the Netball Super League, having been called into the Dragons squad as a temporary replacement player for a fixture against Loughborough Lightning.

She is now looking forward to a full campaign with the Dragons' NXT Gen programme, where former Wales international and Cardiff Met graduate Nia Jones has taken charge as head coach.

"Being in this team means more than just playing netball, it’s a family, full of people who are there for our best interests," she explained.

Watkins is also preparing for what will be her final opportunity to compete at Under-21 level for Wales, with the squad working towards the Europe Netball competition in December.

Having represented the age group since 2021, the opportunity carries particular significance.

"This age group is very special, and of course nothing beats putting on that red dress!"

While her sporting ambitions continue, Watkins is equally focused on her future away from the court.

After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Worcester, she chose Cardiff Met to pursue her teaching qualification. Although she initially imagined a career teaching PE in secondary schools, her undergraduate experiences encouraged her to explore primary education instead.

"I’m finding my studies really enjoyable at Cardiff Met!" she said.

"Although I’m probably the busiest I’ve ever been, I’m still really looking forwards to every day whether that be on Cyncoed campus or on placement!"

Balancing school placements, university commitments and international training camps has required careful planning, particularly during the opening weeks of the course.

Travel arrangements, placement schedules and managing the physical demands of training have all presented challenges, especially when Wales Under-21 camps take place at weekends.

Watkins has nevertheless found encouragement from the Cardiff Met netball community, where teammates and coach Amelia have helped her settle into university life despite her limited availability for club training and matches.

"I’ve had a lot of help through the netball club at Cardiff Met," she explained, recognising the understanding shown towards her wider commitments.

For now, the focus remains on completing her PGCE, making the most of her opportunities with the Dragons and Wales, and continuing to develop both as a player and a future teacher.

Her advice to other student-athletes facing similar demands is simple.

"Just believe in yourself and to trust the process."

And although she has already experienced international competition at the highest level, Watkins is clear about what she hopes to achieve in the classroom.

"Ultimately, I want to be a role model for young children as well as educating them!"