2023 Season Preview: Severn Stars

The Worcester-based side finished at the bottom of the table in 2022 and have a revamped squad and new head coach for the 2022 campaign. 

Their signings have arrived from six other NSL clubs that will make Stars a melting pot of netball. 

Last Season 

Severn Stars recorded three victories in their last campaign, opening the season with a fine 56-47 win over Surrey Storm. 

They were made to wait for their next triumph, beating Wasps by the same scoreline and at the same venue, the Resorts World Arena, this time during the Spring Showdown. 

Their final win of the season came away from home with a 49-54 victory over Strathclyde Sirens and now they will be hoping to transfer some of their away performances to the University of Worcester Arena. 

Signing Window  

Nine players with NSL experience have joined Stars for the 2023 season, with new head coach Jo Trip coming out of retirement as one of 12 players she will pick from. 

You think you know netball? Think again.

This is the Netball Super League 🎆

Get with the game and #GetSomeNet 👊

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 8, 2023

Kelsie Taylor and Jess Haynes both arrived from Loughborough Lightning while Gabby Marshall has joined from Saracens Mavericks. 

Star Player 

Sigi Burger quickly established herself as a fan favourite during her two seasons with London Pulse and that only continued when she joined Leeds Rhinos last year. 

The shooter scored 531 goals in 2022, putting her comfortably inside the top 10 shooters in the league as she led the way for the Rhinos. 

Another new club beckons in 2023, and she will no doubt lead the line for the Stars who last season scored the lowest number of goals in the competition. 

One to Watch 

Grace Namana has swapped Wellington for Worcester this season, with the New Zealander joining Burger in the shooting circle. 

Adding to our line up of incredible shooters for 2023 is Grace Namana🌟

Grace was part of the New Zealand Mixed invitational team in the most recent Cadbury Series in July 🤩#weareSTARS pic.twitter.com/ozcnYtbd9k

— Severn Stars NSL (@SevernStars) October 3, 2022

Namana will have plenty of home comforts at Stars with fellow Kiwi Trip in charge and will bring an international flair to the side. 

What They Said  

“We are a very new group, there are only two girls who were at Stars last year and the rest of us are new to the team,” captain Gabby Marshall said. 

“Everybody loves an underdog in sport – we are here and ready to fight. We have got a fantastic group and it’s about gelling that together. 

“It was an absolute honour to be voted captain by the playing group. It was something that I wasn’t expecting or working towards but an honour for myself.  

“I’m really proud to lead this group of girls into battle this season.” 

Coach’s Corner  

Almost two years after retiring, Jo Trip will be pulling back on her netball dress for her fourth NSL team, as well as stepping up into her first head coach role. 

Whilst we have already welcomed Jo to Stars as Head Coach back in June,
We would like to welcome Jo Trip to Severn Stars also as a player🤩
We look forward to seeing what Jo can produce in a coach/player role in 2023🌟#weareSTARS pic.twitter.com/PKdFw3FgrZ

— Severn Stars NSL (@SevernStars) October 3, 2022

She said: “We have set internal goals of winning 50% of our games. Coming from the bottom last year and having a completely new team, I think that is realistic.  

“It’s also a push and obviously I wouldn’t say no to winning more, but that’s what we are determined to do. 

“I’m really excited about having a really young squad, to see their growth, their maturation in the game and as individuals off the court.  

“Consistency is a big word that is spoken about year after year and to see players get that consistency and be that presence on court every time they step out.”