Nansi Kuti smashes it at the Celtic Cup
Swansea University is proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of Nansi Kuti, a Sport Swansea scholar and first-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) student, who was selected to represent the Welsh Feathers Netball team at the inaugural Celtic Cup tournament. The Welsh Feathers emerged victorious, claiming the title of Celtic Cup Champions after a stunning performance throughout the competition.
The Feathers displayed dominance, winning all four fixtures, including victories over Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Zimbabwe. They capped off their remarkable run with a decisive 59-47 victory against the Scottish Thistles in the final.
Nansi’s Journey to the Celtic Cup
Nansi has been passionate about sport from a young age, excelling in both netball and competitive tennis. At 16, she made the decision to focus her efforts on netball, which has since propelled her to remarkable heights in the sport.
This year, Nansi travelled to Glasgow with her teammates, determined to take on their longstanding rivals. Speaking before the competition, she shared her excitement about representing Wales once again:
“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to represent the Feather again for the first time since the 2023 World Cup. After missing out on selection for the Uganda Test series in January 2024, it's great to get the chance to put on the red dress again.”
Nansi previously earned her first Welsh cap during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, playing in the opening game against the host nation—a testament to her incredible talent and dedication.
Reflecting on Success
Following the recent Celtic Cup victory, Nansi reflected on the team’s triumph:
“It was a huge goal of ours to take the trophy home as the inaugural Celtic Cup winners! Our aspiration is to continue climbing the world rankings, and part of that is establishing ourselves in competitions like this one. It was great to feel the payoff from months of camps and training, which most of us do alongside full-time work or education. It was a great finish to the year, and we're all super excited to see what we can do as a team."
About the Celtic Cup
The Celtic Cup, which ran from November 7th to 10th, brought together international netball teams for a thrilling showcase of the sport. The Welsh Feathers faced off against the Northern Ireland Warriors, Zimbabwe Gems, and Scottish Thistles, culminating in an unforgettable final. This year marked the tournament's debut, with hopes to expand participation in the future.
Celebrating Excellence
Nansi’s achievement is a testament to her dedication both on and off the court, as she balances the demands of a rigorous medical program with elite-level netball. Swansea University is immensely proud of Nansi and looks forward to supporting her as she continues her journey of success.
To learn more about Swansea’s sport scholars and their achievements, click here. For information about our scholarship program, click here.
Photography credit: Craig Watson Photography