Stars sign Jodi-Ann Ward

The defender is currently in the Jamaican team competing against the England Roses in the tri-test series, with the second match in the early hours of Sunday morning (October 14, 00:00BST).

“I am happy for the opportunity to play in a professional environment under coach Sam Bird, who I have read so many great things about, with other great athletes and a very welcoming and supportive netball family,” said the 24-year-old.

Ward, who was brought up in Foreman’s Hill Moneague, St. Ann, Jamaica, has 14 international caps and played for her country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where Jamaica came home with a bronze medal.

Having started playing the sport in primary school, she played for the St. Catherine Racers in last year’s Berger Elite League in Jamaica.

Currently based in Kingston, she combines netball with studying Nursing at the University of Technology, in Jamaica.

It was during her university studies that Ward won the Inter-Collegiate title and the St Andrew Major League in the Jamaican league, which saw her break into the national squad, making her international debut in 2017.

Ward added: “I am looking forward to playing high intensity netball and competitive netball in a professional environment on a weekly basis.

“Some of the attributes that I think I can bring to the team are high work rate, a never say die attitude, willingness to go above and beyond, commitment to hard work and the team and my great passion for the sport.”

Stars’ Head Coach, Sam Bird, said: “I’m delighted to have Jodi-Ann in our squad.  Part of my role is to keep an eye on the international players around the world to see what potential import players we can bring to the Club to add value to the team.  Jodi-Ann is an exciting defender from Jamaica.  I first saw her play in 2017, and then followed her progress through the Commonwealth Games this year.  She had an outstanding game against England in the semi-final.  She is a young dynamic defender, quick across the ground with fabulous elevation.  She is a versatile defender offering all three positions at the back and will be a great part of our top class defence.”

Severn Stars is a franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire.

To check out the Severn Stars fixtures for this season and buy tickets visit www.severnstars.co.uk.  

Tickets are now on sale for Super 10 – get your squad together and head to the season opener on Saturday 5th January 2019 at Arena Birmingham!

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