Netball Super League | Severn Stars swoop for Fast5 star Herdman

Photo Credit: British Fast5 All-Stars

Former Severn Stars Under 21 player Lucy Herdman has returned to take up a place in the senior squad.

The 23-year-old shooter, who plays in the England Nets team, nets being a variation on traditional netball, said: “I can’t wait to start the Vitality Netball Superleague season representing my local franchise. It’s going to be an exciting season working with Stars’ new Head Coach and players.”

The student, who splits her time between her home town of Coventry and Worcester, will combine playing for Stars with her studies for a Masters in Sports Coaching at the University of Worcester. She has already completed a degree in Sports Development and Coaching there.

Herdman earned 16 caps for England Nets at Under 21 level, including the Under 21 World Championships 2016 in New Zealand, where the team came third. She now has 15 caps playing for England Nets Senior team, including the World Championships in South Africa this year, where the team placed third.

She moves to Stars, a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, from Celtic Dragons. Herdman will continue to play for the Worcester Reds team in the West Midlands Regional Premier League and for the University team. She has also played for the Worcester Wolves Ladies National League team.

Herdman featured for Celtic Dragons at Octobers British Fast5 All-Star Championship where her shooting prowess caught the eye of players, fans and pundits.

“I am looking forward to working with a new coach and exciting players, and thriving on the support from the fans,” she said. “I hope I can bring a different style to the shooting circle for the team. My basketball background makes my style of play unique with a slight flair to my game. My aim for this season is to continue developing my game, push for court time and help Stars finish in the top four.”

Herdman joins a Stars line-up which so far includes New Zealand star Liana Leota, Welsh internationals Nia Jones, Bethan Dyke and Georgia Rowe, Paige Reed, Lucy Harris and Ella Powell-Davies.

Stars’ Head Coach, Melissa Bessell, said: “I am really happy to have Lucy on board this season. Lucy is a local girl and has been studying at University of Worcester for the past four years so this is not only important for development within our region but super exciting for Severn Stars. She has a tremendous amount of talent and I am really looking forward to working with her this season. This is a new-look team and Lucy will be adding another exciting dimension to it.”

To stay up to date with the Vitality Netball Superleague, including player movements, tickets and the latest news make sure you sign up to the Vitality Netball Superleague mailing list, you can sign up here.