When Eboni Usoro-Brown joined the inaugural Unlocked programme in 2020, she was already one of England Netball’s most decorated players. A Commonwealth Games gold medallist who was also navigating new motherhood and the uncertainty of the pandemic. It was a pivotal moment, and Unlocked offered something more than just professional development.
“It was the philosophy that attracted me,” she recalls. “Unlocked brought female athletes together to think about how we wanted to use our platforms for greater impact. The mentorship I had was invaluable. Someone to run questions by, to challenge my perspective, and to help amplify the messages I wanted to champion.”
For Eboni, the programme was also about connection as much as confidence. She speaks of the power in building networks, in learning from others’ experiences, and in developing the skills to influence beyond the court. “You never stop learning,” she says.
From Athlete to Advocate
Unlocked allowed Eboni to amplify the values she has long embraced – visibility, influence, and connection, which have continued to guide her career. She returned to elite netball after having her daughter, played at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and then retired after 117 appearances for England’s Vitality Roses across a 15-year international career.
Whilst retirement hasn’t lessened her relationship with netball, that relationship has shifted. After welcoming her son, she has spent more time broadcasting with Sky and the BBC, covering the Netball Super League, and has also returned to the court with her local mum’s netball group. Although an ex-international, her experiences reflect why so many women play: “they want that friendship and the chance to move their body after a workday, to connect without all the other responsibilities. I feel quite privileged that they’ve invited me into their group.”
It’s this lifetime commitment and passion for the sport that makes her move into leadership both unsurprising and a natural progression. In September, she was named President of England Netball, an appointment she describes as an honour and an opportunity to drive the sport forward.
Shaping the Future of Netball
“It’s about visibility,” she says of her new role. “Women’s sport across the board is in a really strong place right now — from the Lionesses’ success to the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the strength of English cricket. For netball, it’s about continuing to grow our visibility and elevate our profile within that momentum.”
Her role is not just ceremonial; her priorities include building netball’s international profile, listening to and reflecting the voices of England Netball’s members to inform strategy at board level, and assisting with attracting greater investment into the game. Collaboration across women’s sport is also key. “We’re stronger when we unite,” she says, pointing to the potential of working alongside other sports to amplify impact and influence policy.
The Legacy of Unlocked
As Eboni prepares to embark on her England Netball presidency, we asked her to reflect on the impact of Unlocked and to offer advice for elite female athletes considering the programme: “I’d urge any athlete to take the opportunity. Whether you’re a younger athlete or a more experienced one transitioning out of sport, that support is invaluable.”
About Unlocked
Unlocked is Women’s Sport Trust’s flagship elite female athlete leadership and development programme. Unlocked empowers athletes to use their own platforms, voices, and unique perspectives to create change, while coming together as a collective to shape the future of women’s sport.
Applications are currently open for the next cohort – find out more and apply here – applications close on 8th October 2025 at 5pm (BST).