Loughborough Lightning Netball are pleased to announce Jamaican international Shamera Sterling as one of their overseas stars for the 2018 Vitality Netball Superleague season.
Sterling is a rangy circle defender who is a key member of the Jamaican team, notably starring in their 2016 Test against England in the UK. The 21 year old is currently studying at University of West Indies, but has been granted a leave of absence to play for Lightning in 2018, showing her desire to don the purple dress.
With Beth Cobden, Natalie Panagarry, Hannah Joseph and Ella Clark all committing to the Loughborough University franchise for 2018, Lightning will be hoping to build on a brilliant 2017 where they were Grand Finalists and Fast5 champions. With Sterling putting pen to paper the squad is shaping up nicely as the season draws ever nearer.
Of her move Sterling said: “I am grateful to have been offered a contract with Loughborough Lightning, and was granted permission by The University of the West Indies to take up this opportunity. I am looking forward to bettering myself and seeing how other club teams outside of Jamaica run their programmes.
“I took this opportunity to gain experience and learn new things such as the different playing style in the UK and to enhance my play as a defender. I hope to take back what I have learned to enhance my play at intercollegiate and international level. I am thankful that much effort was put into gaining this opportunity by The University of West Indies, Mrs Oberon Pitterson-Nattie and Loughborough Lightning”.
Outgoing Lightning Head Coach Karen Atkinson added: “I have been a big fan of Shamera’s play since I saw her at the World Youth Cup in 2013. She is a rangy defender who reads the game extremely well and is equally adept at winning ball inside or outside the circle, whilst playing against stationary or moving shooters. I know her style of play will fit in well with the other members of our squad and we look forward to welcoming her into our programme.”
With 2018 Season Memberships going on sale earlier this month, Lightning fans need to act fast to ensure they’ll have a ticket for all of the sides home games in 2018. To get your hands on tickets please click here.
For a first chance to see the new team in action in our pre-season game on Saturday 9th December vs Team Northumbria please click here.
Report courtesy of Loughborough Lightning
