Netball Super League | Iona Darroch back with Severn Stars for 2019

England youth international, Iona Darroch, will be back with the Severn Stars this season after signing for another year.

The 20-year-old, who is now part of the England Roses full-time programme, which prepares players for full international status, is returning for a third season with the team.

She said she was looking forward to seeing how Stars can progress further and whether the team could put itself among the top four.

“I’ve loved playing for Stars for my first two Vitality Netball Superleague seasons,” said Iona.

“It’s been great to be part of a new franchise and to see it grow and develop.

“My individual game has improved massively with the coaching and opportunities I’m getting.”

Unfortunately, Iona spent some of last season’s Vitality Netball Superleague off the court through an ankle injury, but was back in time to feature in Stars’ winning run of five home games in a row.

“Obviously it was frustrating to be injured for the first half of the season last year, but Stars supported me through that and I was able get back fit for the last few games,” she said.

“With changes in the team and new players coming in, I’m looking forward to working in new combinations and seeing what this squad can achieve.

“I’m very pleased to re-sign for this coming season and excited to see how Stars can progress even further and try to compete for those top four places!”

Iona, who is in the third year of an Illustration degree at the University of Worcester, is among those who have been with the team, a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, since its inaugural season in 2017.

Alongside her duties with Stars, Iona will be competing for England Under 21s in the Netball Europe contest, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which runs from October 5th to October 7th. She will also be Vice Captaining the side.

She was previously in the bronze medal-winning Netball World Youth Cup team.

Severn Stars’ Director of Netball, Anita Navin, said: “Iona has the mindset of a top class athlete and she is one of the most humble and determined individuals I have ever met in netball.

“She takes nothing for granted and acts on all feedback given to grow both on and off the court.

“Iona moved south for the opportunity to play in the Vitality Netball Superleague and everyone at Stars is so proud of her commitment to always give her best for the club.

“We are very proud of her achievements this year in gaining a place in the England Roses programme.”

Image credit: Razorlight Imagery