Netball Super League | Loughborough Lightning welcome back Lucy Parize

In a bust week of signings, Loughborough Lightning revealed that 22-year-old Lucy Parize will return to the purple dress for the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season.

The young goal-attack continues to build on her experience from England youth programmes where she has featured at both U19 and U21 level.

Her dominance in age group netball also shone through in the last two seasons with her strong performances in the Lightning U21 side, as well as in the VNSL.

Parize will continue to balance her career as an Accountant with the demanding training and playing schedule, but cited the set up and networks at Lightning as her main pull back this season.

Returning for her third season with the side, Parize commented: “It’s great to be back for another season at Lightning where we have great supporters each week, amazing coaches and support staff! I’m looking forward to getting back to training with the team and seeing what the 2021 season brings.

“Last year I got off to a really good start in pre-season, I got quite a bit of court time and was really enjoying playing and training with the girls. Liv and Sara are great coaches so coming back was a no brainer.

“The schedules and location fit in really well with my work schedule so as soon as I was given the opportunity to come back, I said yes!”

Parize was a key player in Lightning’s success at 2019 British Fast5 All-Stars where the side were crowned champions of the competition for the second time since its inception.

“We won Fast5 which was incredible and for me as a younger player getting to play alongside Jo Harten who has so much experience was fantastic. It then felt like an anti-climax having the season cut short as we’d worked so hard leading in, so I think we all felt very frustrated.

“I was really excited to come back, obviously it’s strange with us all in bubbles and with additional measures in place but Loughborough have done a brilliant job of making sure everyone’s following the guidelines, so I do feel very safe coming onto campus. I think for all of us we’re just really excited to be running around and throwing a netball again!

“I’d love to get more court time next season and really put myself forward as a contender for a starting seven spot. I just have to work really hard in the gym and prove myself on court and really bring my A game to every session and hopefully that will happen.”

Head Coach Sara Bayman comments on Lucy’s famous ability to stay calm and collected, even in the most pressured of situations.

“Lucy has had some strong performances for Lightning over the last couple of seasons and she’ll be looking to kick on and fight for more court time,” said Bayman.

“It’s a great position to be in to have so much internal competition for places and Lucy’s calmness and ability to put the ball up could be a game-changer in our attack end.”

Lucy joins an ever-growing list of signings for Loughborough Lightning’s 2021 squad with more to be revealed in the coming days. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on social to find out who will be joining them in purple for 2021.

Parize becomes Lightning’s sixth signing for 2021 as she joins Beth Cobden, Sam May, Annabel Roddy and Beth Gabriel in what’s gearing up to be a very exciting roster.

With more players to be revealed over the coming days, be sure to keep your eyes peeled on social to find out who will be joining them in purple for 2021.

You can keep up to date with all the latest signing window news on our dedicated Transfers page or with our Twitter Moment.

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