Surrey Storm announce return of Mikki Austin

The 27-year-old old is entering her seventh season with Storm having originally signed from Saracens Mavericks for the 2015 season.

Austin was part of the iconic Storm team that went onto win back-to-back VNSL titles in 2015 and 2016 respectively, one of just three teams to retain the title.

Since her arrival, Austin has become the face of the franchise and has taken on additional responsibilities including Head Coach and Director of Netball.

“It feels great to be back. I love this franchise and everything it represents so its hugely exciting to continue in the player coach role for another year,” said the mid-courter.

Storm finished in tenth last season during a difficult season impacted by COVID-19. Austin has spent time over the summer reflecting where the Storm squad needs to be.

“I think we’ve all learnt how quickly the game of netball is evolving and just how fast the game is professionalising on and off the court,” she said.

“This year we’ve really looked at our whole programme, on and off the court and looked at where we can make some real performance related decisions to enhance performance.

“As a championship-winning franchise, last season was not good enough but now we have to look forward.”

Austin’s playing duties conclude with the end of each season but her position as Head Coach ensures that she does not stop working during the off-season.

“The summer has been busy. Everyone keeps asking me if I’ve enjoyed the ‘off season’ but there is no off season!

“It’s been relentless since the day after the grand final, but we had a clear recruitment strategy and also had clear site on retaining the spine of our team.

“I’m really pleased with where we have got to and I think the Surrey Storm fans can be hugely excited for 2022.”

Austin becomes Storm’s first signing of the 2022 Signing Window. Like all 11 VNSL sides, Storm have until 15 October to name their remaining players.

For all the latest of signings during the window, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on Twitter, Instagram and visit our Transfers page.

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