Netball Super League | Drakeford-Lewis makes shock move to Surrey Storm

Sophie Drakeford-Lewis shoots for goal. Image: Ben Lumley

Surrey Storm have signed former Team Bath and Vitality Rose shooter Sophie Drakeford-Lewis for the 2023 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season.

The goal attack and wing attack arrives at Surrey Sports Park after five successful seasons in the shooting circle with Team Bath which included Grand Finals and a number of individual honours.

Drakeford-Lewis has scored 689 goals in Bath over the last three seasons and has cemented her as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in the division.

The 23-year-old won Young Player of the Season at the 2019 VNSL Awards and was nominated for the same accolade in 2017 when she scored 284 league goals at the age of 18.

As a result of her domestic success, Drakeford-Lewis has already represented England on 15 occasions and most recently partook in her first-ever major tournament in the form of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Surrey Storm,” said Drakeford-Lewis.

“It’s a new chapter for me, a really exciting challenge and I can’t wait to join the rest of the girls and build on what was a great season for the squad last year. Bring on 2023!”

Head Coach Mikki Austin said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sophie into our Surrey Storm environment.

“A deadly accurate GA with movement to burn, Sophie is proven world class in both the GA and WA both domestically and internationally for England Roses, who brings a phenomenal work ethic and determination into our group.

“I am extremely excited about the dynamic Sophie will bring to our group and the partnerships she can form.”

Drakeford-Lewis becomes Surrey Storm’s eighth signing of the 2023 Signing Window following Mikki Austin, Yasmin Brookes, Proscovia Peace, Frankie Wells, Sophia Candappa, Layla Guscoth, Charlotte Curtis and Niamh Cooper. You can view their full squad here.

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On Twitter, you’ll be able to keep across the ins and outs with our 2023 Signing Window Twitter Moment. For specific club news, be sure to be across all eleven of our teams on their respective social media accounts and subscribe to our List.

We will also be covering each signing in full on our website, offering weekly round-ups and are offering a comprehensive overview of 2023 squads on our Transfers page. Don’t miss out!