Netball Super League | Second season at Severn Stars for Lucy Harris

WORCESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Lucy Harris of Severn Stars looks for a pass during the Vitality Netball Superleague match between Severn Stars and Saracens Mavericks at the University of Worcester Arena on March 04, 2019 in Worcester, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images for England Netball)

Mid-courter Lucy Harris has signed up for a second season with the Severn Stars.

Harris, who joined Stars last season from Wasps Netball, said she was “excited” to be returning.

“I felt I really found my feet last year in the team, so I can’t wait to push on to more success with my Stars family,” said the 23-year-old.

“I felt there was definitely unfinished business given that we beat Manchester Thunder, the 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague champions, so this group has the capacity to really compete for the top four if we play a little more consistently, which is what I hope we can do.”

Harris reflected on the successes and near misses of last season, from which she believes the team became stronger.

She said: “I felt as a team we all grew closer together over the season. Being a new team that hadn’t played together much, I felt there was a bit of a teething period where we needed to learn how to play with each other, especially in pressure scenarios. But that got better and better as the season progressed and, with a good start to this season, there’s every chance the great results from last season stick and the losses can be become few and far between.

“As a player, I felt I had the opportunity to develop in all three centre court positions, which was great, and I am really excited to mesh back in with both the attacking and defensive units, whichever position I get the opportunity to play.”

Harris joins a Stars line-up which so far includes New Zealand star Liana Leota, Welsh internationals Nia Jones, Bethan Dyke and the re-signed Georgia Rowe and England youth international Paige Reed.

Stars, a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, will be led by Melissa Bessell this season, who will take over from Sam Bird as Head Coach in September.

“I’m really looking forward to having Melissa on board as Head Coach,” said Harris. “She will bring a fresh take on the team, influence an exciting new team culture and I can’t wait to take-in all the Kiwi wisdom I can and hopefully improve lots for the team.”

Severn Stars’ Head Coach, Bessell, said: “Lucy adds cream to the top of our attacking team as she re-signs for another season with Severn Stars. I know with Liana and Bethan that this trio will not only be exciting and explosive, but will offer some amazing speed, agility and pure breathtaking netball.”