Vitality Netball Superleague: Melissa Bessell thrilled by Severn Stars’ 2022 roster

Liana Leota, England Roses technical coach and former Silver Fern, Cat Tuivaiti will each take to court docket in 2022; Michelle Drayne strikes from London Pulse, Katie Harris from Wasps and Summer season Artman joins from Staff Bathtub Netball

Liana Leota will return for one more season at Stars and be joined by fellow New Zealander Cat Tuivaiti (Picture credit score: Ben Lumley)

Severn Stars head coach Melissa Bessell can’t wait to get began with a “powerhouse workforce” as she proclaims her full 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague roster.

Bessell has mixed collectively skilled gamers just like the England Vitality Roses technical coach, Liana Leota, and former Silver Fern, Cat Tuivaiti alongside younger and upcoming expertise.

The top coach has secured numerous new signatures throughout the low season with Katie Harris becoming a member of from Wasps and Nicole Humphries from Surrey Storm.

Additionally, Summer season Artman has swapped Staff Bathtub Netball for Stars and Michelle Drayne arrives from London Pulse.

“It is a powerhouse workforce and I am unable to wait to get began,” Bessell mentioned. “I do know that the workforce I’ve pulled collectively is not only thrilling, however has calibre, spirit and expertise.

“I’m bringing collectively a lot contrasting expertise, which implies I can select unbelievable and show-stopping expertise whereas altering the entire dynamics of the sport. For me, that is actually exhilarating.

“Each athlete that is enjoying for Stars this 12 months, I made positive was there for a goal and to actually make us an amazing workforce. I’m pleased with pulling this off.

“I’ve obtained a stable base of those who have been there final 12 months, gamers which were with me and know me. Then, I’ve handpicked the others so as to add quantity and improve us as a bunch.”

“The enjoyable will begin after we carry this workforce collectively, begin experimenting with combos and watch this workforce develop and assemble into one thing very particular.”

Melissa Bessell

One of many names that may catch the attention of the remainder of the league is that of Tuivaiti, who joined the Severn Stars teaching workers final 12 months, however will likely be taking to the court docket in 2022.

The shooter, who has beforehand performed for Strathclyde Sirens within the Superleague and for prime sides in New Zealand and Australia, is trying ahead to the season.

“With the ability to take the court docket once more within the Superleague, this time as a mum, is terrifying and thrilling,” Tuivaiti mentioned. “I’ve all the time liked a problem and this will likely be my greatest one to date.”

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Cat Tuivaiti’s tips and flicks have been distinctive when she performed for Strathclyde Sirens

Among the many acquainted names for Stars’ followers are shooter Paige Reed, who has re-signed for her fourth season, Fiji worldwide Dee Bolakoro and Iman Thomas.

In mid-court, Bethan Dyke has re-signed and stays on the comeback following an ACL damage throughout the 2021 season. Lucy Herdman will even be returning for one more season.

The 17-year-old shooter Issy Eaton, who has just lately been chosen for the England Roses academy squad for 21/22 and U21 Netball Europe squad, can be introduced into the Stars’ most important Superleague squad after being a coaching accomplice final season.

Severn Stars Squad: Liana Leota, Cat Tuivaiti, Michelle Drayne, Katie Harris, Nicole Humphries, Summer season Artman, Paige Reed, Dee Bolakoro, Iman Thomas, Bethan Dyke, Lucy Herdman, Issy Eaton, Jane Taylor, Chloe Carchrie and Elisha New.