Netball Super League | Hertfordshire Mavericks announce their first four VNSL 2017 signings!

Mavericks, are delighted to announce the first four players for the 2017 Vitality Netball SuperLeague Squad.

You can read their full press release below:

Lindsay Keable, Sophie Hankin and Summer Artman will be returning for another season as Mavericks squad members and Ashleigh Neal will be returning to the VNSL for her first season as a Maverick! The remaining 8 players will be announced over the coming weeks.

Head Coach Robyn Broughton had this to say: “I am delighted to welcome Lindsay, Summer and Sophie back to our Mavericks 2017 Superleague team. They are already very much part of the Mavericks environment and display the high performance behaviours of professional sportswomen which will help build our team culture.”

“They have well developed team values and excellent netball skills and knowledge. Their professionalism, character and people skills will provide leadership for Mavericks, and a belief and sense of direction both on and off the court.”

Robyn continued: “I’m also excited to welcome our newest Maverick, Ashleigh Neal to the squad. Her experience of playing performance netball in Australia will be invaluable and I believe she will bring an exciting new dynamic to the team. It’s going to be a great season and I cannot wait to get started.”

The New Recruit:

Ashleigh Neal

Ashleigh Neal is an experienced shooter having played in both the ANZ for West Coast Fever and the VNSL for Surrey Storm. Ashleigh comes to Mavericks following three seasons with Demons in the Western Australia Netball League, where she won numerous awards including League MVP and player’s player. Ashleigh will be a fantastic addition to Mavericks attacking line-up bringing experience and explosive talent to the squad.

In Ashleigh’s Words:

I’m really excited and looking forward to my 2017 season with Mavs. It will be another challenging chapter and I can’t wait to learn from another great coach. I’m eager to arrive, meet the team and get things moving with the rest of the team.”

Returning Mavericks:

Summer Artman

England Rose, Summer Artman is a full time member of the England programme and is returning to Mavericks for her second season. A defensive dynamo, expect to see her turning over ball and having an awesome presence on court.

In Summer’s Words:

“I’m very excited to re sign with Mavericks for the upcoming season; there’s a lot of changes in the league this year but I’m really looking forward to working with our new coaches, it’s going to be a great season!”

Lindsay Keable

Lindsay will be returning for her 7th season as a senior maverick. Having joined Mavericks as a youth player at the age of 17, Lindsay is a firm favourite with fans and team mates alike and is a force to be reckoned within the defensive circle. Expect to see Lindsay dominating the court this season.

In Lindsay’s Words

“I’m so ready for the season coming up! Mavericks looks new, fresh and exciting for the up and coming 2017 season. It’s great to have new coaching staff new sponsors and some new blood on the playing front. We have the best fans in the league and I look forward hearing them loud and proud next season!”

Sophie Hankin

Sophie will be returning for her 4th season with Mavericks Superleague squad having started out in the Youth team when she was 14. A dynamic attacker, comfortable both in the circle and on the wing, she will keep the defence on their toes, and be looking to transform those turnovers into goals.

In Sophie’s Words

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Mavericks – they just can’t get rid of me! I’m excited for a new season with lots of changes throughout – it will be an exciting one to follow as a fan! Most of all I cannot wait to meet my new teammates, one thing I love about netball is the solid friendships that build over a season together.”

Mavericks are excited to have shared our first four players with you and look forward to sharing the details of the rest of the squad soon! Keep your eyes peeled to our twitter feed @hertsmavericks for all the latest news.