English · Wigan, England · Born 7 June 1978English defender and coach who won bronze medals at three Commonwealth Games across an international career spanning 1997 to 2011.
Karen Helen Atkinson (née Aspinall) was born on 7 June 1978 in Wigan. She first represented England at youth level in 1994 and was selected for the senior squad in 1997, going on to win bronze medals at the 1998, 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games as well as the 1999 World Netball Championships, and silver at the 2010 World Netball Series in Liverpool. Atkinson's domestic career began with Loughborough Lightning before she spent the bulk of her career with Hertfordshire Mavericks in the Netball Superleague. She also gained international club experience, playing one season with New Zealand's Capital Shakers in 2004 and a season with Australia's West Coast Fever in 2008 alongside fellow England international Ama Agbeze. Atkinson retired from playing in 2011 and moved directly into coaching, taking charge of Hertfordshire Mavericks and later Loughborough Lightning, as well as coaching England's Fast5 team. She was appointed MBE for services to netball, and remains a respected figure in English netball coaching circles.
Winning bronze medals at three Commonwealth Games across a 14-year England career
How They Played
Reliable, physically strong defender who played across the Netball Superleague and internationally in Australia and New Zealand
Lasting Impact
A consistent, long-serving defender for England during a period before the Roses' major breakthrough, who transitioned successfully into coaching
Career Honours
- Commonwealth Games Bronze 1998, 2006, 2010
- World Championship Bronze 1999
- World Netball Series Silver 2010
- MBE for services to netball
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Loughborough Lightning | 1996–1998 | — |
| Hertfordshire Mavericks | 1999–2011 | — |
| Capital Shakers | 2004–2004 | — |
| West Coast Fever | 2008–2008 | — |