Netball Super League | May moves across the Midlands to join Lightning

Loughborough Lightning is excited to reveal that two-time Superleague champion goal-keeper Sam May will make the switch to the East Midlands side for the 2020 season.

Having plied her trade at local rivals Wasps for the past three years, May is no stranger to success having competed in three consecutive Grand Finals and hopes to bring that wealth of experience to Lightning for the upcoming season.

Born in Sydney, Australia, the 6ft tall defender featured in the 2008 and 2009 Australian U21’s team before moving to the UK to compete in the Vitality Netball Superleague.

May, 32, first took to the court for the Hertfordshire Mavericks before switching to Wasps for their inaugural season in 2017. She then went on to win back-to-back titles with the black and gold side.

Now, after making the move to Loughborough Lightning, May continues her playing career alongside a role as Head of Netball at Loughborough College.

On signing, May said:

“It’s really exciting, it’s a new chapter for me. I’ve had the privilege to play for Wasps and Mavericks in the past and I think this is a great opportunity to see what I can bring to the side.

“Loughborough are after the title and I’m hoping that I can contribute to that goal, but also off-court I do a lot of coaching and am hoping that my knowledge and experience as a player and coach can also help with the pathway set up here at Lightning.”

Wasps and Lightning have formed a strong rivalry on the court over the past three years with Wasps pipping Lightning to the post in two consecutive Grand Finals. Despite the history between the sides, May is keen to meet the Lightning fans:

“Hopefully the fans are nice to me! This is a new journey and I’m a player that hopefully, people like to see play regardless of who they follow. I’m hoping I bring something new to the side and can show my creativity out on court,” she said.

On May’s transfer, Head Coach Sara Bayman commented:

“Sam will bring so much knowledge and experience to this group and it will be great to have new ideas and a fresh perspective. Having won the Superleague and played at the top level in Australia, Sam will bring an extra edge to our defensive end and that provides us with lots of flexibility.”

Sam joins Ella Clark as the second Lightning player to sign for the new season. With more signings to be announced over the coming weeks, be sure to keep your eyes peeled to find out who will be joining them on court next season.

You can catch Loughborough Lightning in action for the first time at the Season Opener event on Saturday 22nd February 2020 when they face Team Bath in a bid to rewrite history after last year’s bronze medal defeat.

Tickets for the event, that features every Superleague team in one venue, are on sale now and selling fast, you can buy your ticket here.

* Subject to league registration.