England netball international Berri Neil has spoken about how a painful sporting defeat led her to discover faith in God. The 23-year-old Loughborough Lightning player struggled emotionally after her team lost the 2025 Netball Super League Grand Final to London Pulse, a club she had previously played for. Feeling deeply discouraged and questioning her purpose, Neil accepted an invitation from her twelve-year-old brother to attend church. The experience became a turning point in her life. She describes encountering joy, peace, and a new perspective that helped her realise that success or failure in sport does not define her ultimate purpose. Neil says her new faith has brought freedom from pressure and anxiety, reminding her that God has a greater plan for her life. She has also been encouraged by discovering other Christian teammates who are helping her grow spiritually. As her team prepares for the new season after winning the Netball Super Cup, Neil believes the difficult loss ultimately became a blessing that led her to faith and renewed hope both on and off the court.