Netball Super League | Surrey Storm announce Grace Sullivan signing

Action shot during Vitality Super League match between Team Bath Netball and Surrey Storm at Copper Box Arena, London, England on 16th May 2021.

Surrey Storm have announced that Grace Sullivan has signed for the franchise ahead of the 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season.

The young talent first started her netball journey joining the NPL U17s squad where it was clear Sullivan had a bright future.

Last season, Sullivan made her debut with Storm and proved to Coach Mikki Austin that she can compete with the best the VNSL can throw at her.

With a year of experience under her belt, the 21-year-old will join fellow NPL product Alima Priest as well as Niamh Cooper and Leah Middleton in defence as they look to continue the great defensive work they put in across last season.

Excited to be returning for another year, Sullivan said: “I feel extremely delighted and privileged to be able to resign with storm for a second year.

“Last season was such an amazing year for me making my debut in the VSNL, especially in duck egg blue. To have the fans back this year and play in front of them is something I’ve dreamed of since watching my very first storm game.”

Recognizing the young defenders development and how the pathway assisted in this process, Sullivan commented: “The storm pathway helped prepare me for the big stage as it exposed me to elite competitive netball from such a young age.

“Joining storm at the age of 15 and being surrounded by girls older than me has prepared me well for the Superleague environment and strengthen my physical game and ability.

“Being surrounded by great coaches, teammates and staff made me realise storm is much more of a home than just a netball team, a community that can’t be beaten.”

Sullivan currently studies at Loughborough University where she is completing her final year of studies. Alongside academics Sullivan commented the importance of keeping a healthy balance to achieve her goals for the season.

“My goals for this season are to continue to improve and develop my netball as an individual but also for the team. To continue to get exposure on the big stage and become a much fitter and stronger athlete.”

Mikki Austin proud of this home grown singing commented: “We’re really pleased to welcome Sullivan back to Surrey storm, having spent many years through our Surrey storm pathway.

“She is an example of what dedication to the badge and hard work can achieve. A relentless defender who earned an extension of contract and we’re looking forward to picking up where we left off.”

Sullivan becomes Surrey Storm’s tenth signing of the 2022 Signing Window after Mikki Austin, Yasmin Parsons, Niamh Cooper, Frankie Wells, Emma Magee, Ellie Kelk, Peace Proscovia, Alima Priest and Leah Middleton. You can see the Storm squad as it develops here.

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