Netball Super League | Lightning boosted by three new additions

Suzie Liverseidge

Photo credit: Ben Lumley

Loughborough Lightning have revealed three new additions to its side ahead of the 2020 season.

England U19 young guns Suzie Liverseidge, Alice Harvey and Beth Gabriel have all signed contracts for the upcoming Vitality Netball Superleague season.

Liverseidge arrives from Surrey Storm, where she plyed her trade in the U21 pathway team and will combine her first-year studies in Sports Technology at Loughborough University with her training programme.

Having recently impressed for Lightning at the 2019 British Fast5 All-Stars competition, Liverseidge applied to her midcourt knowledge before lifting the trophy with her new teammates.

“It’s such a great opportunity for me to learn from all the experienced players here at Loughborough University and improve my game this season,” she said.

Also looking to combine her studies and training with Loughborough Lightning this year is 18-year-old goal attack, Beth Gabriel. Beth moves from Severn Stars to study Sports Science at the University.

Having progressed through the pathway at Severn Stars, Gabriel’s impressive displays earned her a spot in the England U19 tour to Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, alongside new teammates Suzie Liverseidge, Annabel Roddy, Alice Harvey, and Jasmin Odeogberin.

Gabriel explained her decision to move to Loughborough:

“I am so excited to start playing for Lightning this year. A big factor in my choice of university was the standard of netball associated with it, so with Loughborough having such an elite netball programme and the Superleague set up, it was the standout choice. I’m now looking forward to meeting my new teammates and getting started with an intense preseason.”

The final member of the trio is 18-year-old goal keeper, Alice Harvey, who also earns her first ever Superleague contract. Taking the next step after dominant displays in defence for Lightning’s U21 side last year, home-grown talent Harvey took to the court against some of the world’s best shooters in the British Fast5 competition.

“I’m excited and ready for a new challenge, and I think it’s going to be a big step up from the U21s but I’m looking forward to the experience. I’ll be playing against senior internationals – you don’t get much bigger than that – but I’m excited for the season ahead and hope for all the experience that I’ll gain from the team around me,” added Harvey.

Head Coach, Sara Bayman was keen to share her excitement at the addition of three new players to her squad:

“We’ve got some of the most exciting young talent in the country across all three court areas. After standout performances in age-group competition, it’s an exciting time to be part of Lightning as these players develop and show what they can do on the biggest domestic stage.”

Gabriel, Liverseidge, and Harvey are the latest additions to the 2020 side with more yet to be revealed in the coming days, so keep your eyes peeled to find out the final line up for Lightning’s upcoming campaign.

Loughborough Lightning 2020 squad so far:

Nat Panagarry
Sam May
Ella Clark
Hannah Joseph
Jasmin Odeogberin
Lucy Parize
Annabel Roddy
Suzie Liverseidge
Alice Harvey
Beth Gabriel

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