Netball Super League | Nominees for Vitality Netball Superleague Awards announced

It’s coming to the end of another sensational season in which fans have been treated to nail-biting encounters, last-minute victories and twists and turns galore!

The talent on show – both home-grown and international – has been fantastic with experienced heads exuding skill and class, and up-and-coming stars making their mark.

All of the award winners will be announced at the Vitality Netball Superleague Grand Final – so snap up your tickets and be the first to find out!

Umpire of the Season

Determined by the VNSL Umpire Assessors.

The nominees are:

Gary Burgess

Gary started umpiring the Vitality Netball Superleague in 2007. His hard work and commitment is unwavering and he has been selected to umpire his 10th Grand Final.

Jackie Mizon

Jackie started umpiring the Vitality Netball Superleague in 2012. She is a confident and consistent umpire, who balances performance with approachability.

Louise Travis

Louise started umpiring the Vitality Netball Superleague in 2007. She self-analyses her performances at the end of each game to maintain the highest officiating standards.

2017 winner: Gary Burgess

Coach of the Season

Voted for by all teams’ coaches within the VNSL.

The nominees are:

Anna Carter (Loughborough Lightning)

Carter took over the reins at Lightning for the start of the 2018 season and has made the role her own. After a tricky start, she has guided Lightning to 12 consecutive wins and the Grand Final. Now all that remains to be seen is if she can lead her side to an elusive first title…

Tamsin Greenway (Wasps Netball)

Greenway has once again shown her coaching prowess with a winning formula which saw Wasps Netball go 12 games unbeaten at the start of the season and now in their second successive Grand Final.

Karen Greig (Manchester Thunder)

Passionate and determined, Greig displayed tactical and technical nous this season as she brought the best out of all her players. The tight-knit squad flew somewhat under the radar and secured a third-place finish, narrowly missing out on the Grand Final.

2017 winner: Karen Atkinson (Loughborough Lightning)

Young Player of the Season

This is awarded to a VNSL player, who is under the age of 21 years old prior to the start of the season and is voted for by all teams with the VNSL.

The nominees are:

Amy Carter (Manchester Thunder)

Carter instantly made her mark on the Vitality Netball Superleague. She performed superbly on her debut in Manchester Thunder’s season opener – displaying excellent vision and a cool, calm persona – and was named Player of the Match.

George Fisher (Wasps Netball)

Fisher has played with maturity beyond her years this season and worked hard to cement a place in Wasps Netball’s starting seven. She’s scored 598 goals, boasting an 87% shooting success rate.

Vicki Oyesola (Loughborough Lightning)

Last season’s Young Player of the Season continued her fine form into 2018 and has formed a strong defensive partnership with Shamera Sterling while also displaying individual moments of brilliance.

2017 winner: Vicki Oyesola (Loughborough Lightning)

Players’ Player of the Season

Voted for by all athletes within the VNSL.

The nominees are:

Liana Leota (Manchester Thunder)

Leota was instrumental in Manchester Thunder’s attack – her ability to read the game and feeds into the circle are second to none.

Peace Proscovia (Loughborough Lightning)

Last season’s Vitality Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season has dominated in the circle and displayed her shooting prowess, scoring an impressive 722 goals – 51 clear of her nearest rival.

Shamera Sterling (Loughborough Lightning)

The Jamaican defender has caught the eye this season with some tenacious and formidable displays. She has got an incredible amount of turnover ball for her team this season with no less than 93 intercepts – almost 30 clear of her closest challenger.

2017 winner: Peace Proscovia (Loughborough Lightning)

All Star VII

Teams have had to pick out who they think was the best player in each position but weren’t allowed to vote for their own players. The players in each position who received the most votes will make up the All Star VII.

2017 team: GK – Nicole Aiken Pinnock (Sirens), GD – Layla Guscoth (Team Bath), WD – Beth Cobden (Loughborough Lightning), C – Bongiwe Msomi (Wasps), WA – Liana Leota (Manchester Thunder), GA – Kathryn Turner (Manchester Thunder), GS – Peace Proscovia (Loughborough Lightning)

Vitality Player of the Season

Awarded to the best player of the 2018 season as determined by title partner, Vitality.

The nominees are:

Beth Cobden (Loughborough Lightning)

The England mid-courter has had a great international season and put that into her performances for Lightning – currently on a 19-game unbeaten run (including the Commonwealth Games)!

Joyce Mvula (Manchester Thunder)

Mvula has exuded real class in the circle and been outstanding for Manchester Thunder this season, having added to both her game and movement as well as shooting at 91%.

Shamera Sterling (Loughborough Lightning)

The Jamaican defender has caught the eye this season with some tenacious and formidable displays – she has got an incredible amount of turnover ball for her team this season.

2017 winner: Peace Proscovia (Loughborough Lightning)

Image credit: Still Sport