Maria Gornell became Welsh Feather 101, earning her first cap in an international match against Scotland on 5 February 1983. Over the years, she represented Wales in three Netball World Cups, contributing to the national team across multiple tournaments. Her first World Cup appearance was at the 6th World Cup in Singapore (1983), where she played seven matches against teams including Trinidad, Antigua, Singapore, Malaysia, and Northern Ireland. In 1987, she competed in her second tournament at the 7th World Cup in Scotland, taking part in 12 matches against Bermuda, Barbados, the Republic of Ireland, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka.
Maria’s third and final World Cup was the 8th World Cup in Australia (1991), where she faced teams such as Western Samoa, Fiji, the Cayman Islands, and Canada. Her international career concluded later that year, with her final match played against the West Indies on 12 November 1991.
A reliable and adaptable defender, Maria played across Goal Defence, goalkeeper, and Wing Defence, using her experience to strengthen the Welsh defensive line. Originally from South Glamorgan, she played 48 international matches, securing 25 wins, 22 losses, and 1 draw, giving her a 52.08% win rate. Maria’s contributions to Welsh netball, particularly her involvement in three World Cups, reflect her commitment and role in the national team during her playing years.
| Countries Played Against | No. Times Played |
| Scotland | 10 |
| Republic of Ireland | 5 |
| Trinidad | 1 |
| Antigua | 1 |
| Singapore | 1 |
| Malaysia | 3 |
| Northern Ireland | 5 |
| England | 5 |
| Australia | 1 |
| Bermuda | 1 |
| Barbados | 1 |
| Cook Islands | 1 |
| New Zealand | 1 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 |
| West Indies | 2 |
| Canada | 3 |
| Western Samoa | 2 |
| Fiji | 1 |
| Cayman Islands | 1 |
