With the start of the Vitality Netball Super League just around the corner, Worcester based franchise Severn Stars announce their exciting new line-up for the upcoming 2023 season.
After a tough 2022 season, Stars saw a vast array of talent depart including club captain Liana Leota and vice-captain Iman Thomas, and head coach Melissa Bessell.
The Worcester-based side also saw fan favourite Paige Reed depart after four seasons with the club alongside key mid-courter Bethan Dyke as they look for a new challenge.
With Bessell departing after two years, former Saracens Mavericks’ defender Jo Trip is set to embark on her first head coaching role.
Stars General Manager Claire Sanders believes the rebuild feels like a new chapter for the franchise with many young prospects and experience to build on from.
“It almost feels like a completely new franchise, new head coach, it’s her [Jo Trip] first season coaching so she’s quite new to it, we’ve been working quite closely.
“We have a whole new team except for two which has been interesting, new characters to know but it’s also a fresh start for us which has been nice,
“The girls have come and are getting used to the franchise and we’re rebuilding it.”
In attack, Stars have secured the signature of South African international Sigi Burger from Leeds Rhinos who, last season, demonstrated her quality scoring 531 goals.
Embed from Getty ImagesGrace Namana also joins Burger in the attack after playing the previous season in the New Zealand ANZ Championships.
Stars have adopted a younger outlook for this season and have therefore secured the signature of 17-year-old Lily Smith.
Sanders claimed: “It’s quite a big step up for her this year, new to the franchise but also new to this level and she’s fitted right in.”
A returning face in Issy Eaton finalises the attacking line-up after the youngster was committed to the franchise following her breakthrough season with Stars.
Sanders was delighted with the return: “She’s crucial because she’s come up through our pathway and it’s something we really want to develop, we’re really pleased she’s stayed.”
For the mid court, Stars have looked to former Saracens Mavericks’ Gabby Marshall and Scotland’s Sarah MacPhail who will provide stability and experience for the team.
Jess Shaw, formally of Loughborough Lightning, has also joined Stars after two seasons with Team Bath whilst Kelsie Taylor completes the mid court line-up.
In defence, Stars have recalled the talented Lucy Herdman who has been at the club since 2020, becoming an experienced focal point for the team.
After trials in attack, Sanders confirmed Herdman’s set position for the upcoming season.
“She’s staying in the defensive end. Learning from Jo Trip was quite a big pull to keep her here.
“She’s become one of the experienced players and transitioning from being a young gun to one of the experienced players, she’s taken more of a leadership role this season.”
Rebekah Airey joins Herdman in defence, who has plenty of winning experience after securing the 2019 League victory with Manchester Thunder.
Another youngster added to the mix is Jess Haynes after making her league debut for title winning side Lightning in 2021.
To complete the line-up, head coach Trip confirmed she will become a player manager and return to the game following her retirement in 2021.
Sanders concluded: “There’s a nice mix of age and experience and I think that will take them through for the season.
“They’re such a lovely bunch, there’s no egos in there just genuinely want to work well together and they’re getting on really well.”
Stars kick off their campaign with a trip to Motorpoint Arena to face Trip’s former Saracens Mavericks on Saturday, February 11.
