Netball Super League | Amy Carter and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis pick up national awards

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Activity during the Vitality Netball Superleague Super 10 at Arena Birmingham on January 5, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for England Netball)

Amy Carter and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis have been named as 2019 TASS Stars Awards winners in recognition of their fantastic achievements combining top-level sport and their efforts in higher education over the last 12 months.

Nominations were made across five categories designed to celebrate the attributes of a dual career athlete: Most Determined, Most Inspirational, Most Committed, Most Potential and Athlete of the Year.

Carter picked up the Athlete of the Year accolade, after successfully combining studying medicine at the University of Manchester with her playing commitments, which included representing Manchester Thunder who sealed the 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague title.

She also travelled to Australia with the Vitality Roses’ Fast5 squad during term time and had to balance and manage her studies around this tour.

In addition, she played a large number of England A games against teams in the top six in the world rankings and was impressive in her performances.

Carter has developed her game understanding over the last season and has become an excellent mid-court player, offering a high standard of play in both the C and WD positions.

Meanwhile, Drakeford-Lewis scooped the Most Committed Award, capping an excellent period of growth for an exceptional athlete.

Drakeford-Lewis caught the eye of coaches, fans and her peers during the 2019 VNSL season. Not only did she help fire Team Bath Netball to third but did all this while studying an Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degree.

Drakeford-Lewis took her demanding university course and the domestic season in her stride and, at only 2o years old, has already become a recognisable face in the world of netball, winning the Young Player of the Season award.

She has also adopted a second position – WA – which she played for England A this year, when senior Vitality Roses shooters were in the squad.

An independent panel of judges including triple jump world record holder, Jonathan Edwards, Olympic medallist Samantha Murray and 2018 Star of the Year winner, Maria Tsaptsinos, decided upon the five winners.

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