Netball Super League | Elia McCormick returns to Manchester Thunder squad after injury

McCormick during Vitality Super League match between Celtic Dragons and Manchester Thunder at Copper Box Arena, London, England on 9th May 2021.

Elia McCormick has returned to Manchester Thunder’s Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) squad for the 2022 season having been ruled out of their title-winning campaign through injury.

McCormick had her breakthrough season in 2021 when she was named as a Training Partner with her childhood club for the first time. The youngster made her Superleague debut that season and became a regular in the matchday squad, making 20 appearances during the campaign.

The 00-year-old picked up a third-place finish with Thunder and was originally rewarded with a full contract for 2022. However, she had to watch from the sidelines as the Manchester outfit lifted the Superleague title due to an unfortunate ACL injury during pre-season.

McCormick – who has been on the books at Thunder since the age of 14 – made 25 turnovers in her only full VNSL season to date and is determined to pick up where she left off for the champions next year.

“I’m excited to be back at Thunder for the 2023 season after being out last year with my ACL. My rehab is going really well thanks to all the coaches and the team there at Thunder,” she said.

“I’m hoping to help the team break even more records next year and of course bring back the title again. It’ll be exciting to work with new players in the defence circle, and try out new combinations.”

Karen Greig, Head Coach and Director of Netball for Manchester Thunder, said: “After a devastating knee injury in pre-season last year, I am so happy to be able to re-sign Elia.

“She has still been in and around the squad over the last 12 months so hasn’t really missed a beat. She proved in the 2021 season how much potential she has with her ability to cover all three defence positions and unsettle attacking units. I am excited to see what Elia can do this season and have her back on court.”

McCormick becomes Manchester Thunder’s fourth signing of the 2023 Signing Window following Taylor McKevit, Lenize Potgieter and Lois Pearson. You can view their full squad here.

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