Mary began her netball journey later than most. “I started late, around 13 or 14 in secondary school,” she explains. “One of our main shooters couldn’t play, and I was across the court playing basketball, which was killing me as I was just a long girlie trying to carry the legs. They needed someone, and it just fit. It was a nice fit for me in netball.” She credits her best friend Joan, who played goalkeeper, for keeping her motivated. “Joan would challenge me on the court—it was great. The coach would definitely say to her [Joan] to give me a bit of a challenge.”

Mary’s journey took her from playing for her national team to moving overseas to compete in the UK’s Netball Super League for Loughborough Lightning. In 2022, she had the opportunity to make her Commonwealth Games debut with the She-Cranes in Birmingham. Reflecting on the experience, Mary says, “The last Commonwealth Games we were fifth in the tournament, it just set our mark every time we appear internationally.” The She-Cranes’ memorable win over South Africa secured Uganda’s position as one of Africa’s top netball teams. “It is really great, for the growth of the sport and for women’s sports in Uganda,” she adds.

Where I come from, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for girls, and I want to change that
Mary Cholhok

The She-Cranes were an important part of her Commonwealth Games experience. “My first Commonwealth Games was really exciting,” she says. “It’s always a blast when I’m with the national team. The girls are fun to be around; the game is always passionate, and full of talent.”

Outside of netball, Mary talks about the atmosphere in Birmingham. “We had boxing, swimming…everyone in the same village, and we’d go support each other. They’d come to netball, and we’d go to their events,” she recalls. “It’s really great to see other sports and support each other out there.”

As Mary continues to thrive on the international stage, she reflects on the impact sport has had on her journey. “I saw how much sport was doing in my life… just being consistent with it, and then it just blew up, look at me now.” She also highlights why the Commonwealth Games are so important for netball. “It’s just a really big deal and important as in some other countries they don’t know how big of a deal netball is, like I’m getting paid. I’m getting paid to play so it’s a big deal.”

Motivated by the chance to inspire the next generation, Mary recognises the importance of her voice and presence to young athletes. “The young girls see what sports they can get involved in and the future of it… the fun and the representation itself,” she says. “It’s so motivating for the younger generation to see that. For young girls to see what sports they can get involved with and how fun it is, not just in the country it’s being held. Across Asia, Africa, America and all continents.”

Mary’s ambitions extend beyond her own journey. “Where I come from, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for girls, and I want to change that,” she says. “There’s so much potential, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Her story with the She-Cranes, international netball, and the Commonwealth Games is still unfolding. At 27 years old she looks ahead to the future with excitement, especially towards the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. “I will not be retired by then, I’m excited to see you there.”