Team Guide: Birmingham Panthers

Birmingham Panthers are set for their debut season in the Netball Super League but are determined to not just make up the numbers in 2025.

Panthers head coach Jo Trip has recruited six of her Severn Stars squad that finished in the top four last season, meaning they have plenty of knowhow when it comes to challenging at the top.

With the addition of some Super League experience and Australian flair, Panthers will be hoping to claw their way into the play-offs on debut.

Head Coach 

Jo Trip is one of the most exciting young coaches in netball, making it no surprise she was Birmingham Panthers’ choice to lead their maiden season.

The Kiwi led Severn Stars to a first top-four finish in just her second season as head coach after taking over in 2023 and has now hung up her trainers after serving as player-coach in both campaigns.

She was named Netball Super League Coach of the Season in both 2023 and 2024.

Captain 

Gabby Marshall is Jo Trip’s trusty lieutenant, after finding her feet again under the Kiwi at Stars.

She has followed Trip to Panthers, and once again been voted as captain by her teammates.

The centre began her career at Manchester Thunder before moving to Saracens Mavericks, and has been capped by England.

Star Player 
Jess Shaw heads into the 2025 season off the back of a stellar international window with the Vitality Roses.

Shaw earned her first senior cap in 2024 following a stunning season with Severn Stars, where she was named in the All Star VII.

The wing attack offers a devastating combination of dynamism and accurate feeds.

One To Watch
Goal attack Gabby Sinclair is not a new name to Netball Super League fans but could hit even higher levels this season.

Sinclair played for Cardiff Dragons in 2023 before returning to her native Australia with Melbourne Mavericks.

The introduction of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot makes Sinclair an even greater threat due to her long-range shooting ability. 

New Name 

Defender Gabby Coffey arrives from Australia after several seasons as a training partner with Melbourne Vixens.

She is charged with replacing head coach Trip on court and will hope to use all of her experience from her time in Suncorp Super Netball.

Coffey grew up in Alice Springs and is of Indigenous descent and hopes to inspire more Indigenous girls to play sport.

Venues 

Birmingham Panthers will play at four venues across the West Midlands in the 2025 season.

Panthers will play their arena matches at two venues in Birmingham, BP Pulse Live and the Utilita Arena.

They will also play at the Coventry Skydome and Worcester Arena.

First home game 

Panthers welcome Manchester Thunder to BP Pulse Live on Friday 21 March. Buy tickets here.