Saturday 15 October 2016 17:33, UK
Hertforshire Mavericks have taken their 2017 Vitality Superleague squad to 11 with the announcement of four young England stars for the new season.
With seven names already announced the latest batch of names underline the Mavericks commitment to youth development with Zara Everitt and Halimat Adio stepping up from the NPL squad to become fully fledged members of the Superleague squad.
Razia Quashie and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis join from the NPL set-up at Superleague champions Surrey Storm.
"I am really excited about joining Mavericks for the 2017 VNSL season," said Drakeford-Lewis.
"I am looking forward to learning from both the experienced coaching team and the returning players. I think it is going to be a great season."
All four players have represented the England Roses at youth level with Adio, Everitt and Quashie all current U21 internationals and Drakeford-Lewis part of the U19 set-up.
"Mavericks are pleased to welcome a new group of young players into its 2017 playing roster," said head coach Robyn Broughton.
"All of these players proved during trials that they have the necessary skills and physical abilities to contribute positively to the Mavericks team environment."
"As a coaching team we are excited by attracting talented new players like Razia and Sophie to our franchise and delighted to see Zara and Hali coming through from the Mavericks NPL squad. We look forward to having the opportunity to coach them all this season."
I am very excited for my senior debut at Mavericks, the team is filled with such raw talent with amazing coaches helping us along the way.<p>It's going to be an amazing season at Mavericks this year and I'm happy to be a part of the family"
Michelle Drayne, Vicklyn Joseph and Rose Morgan-Smith were announced last week, joining Ashleigh Neal, Lindsay Keable, Sophie Hankin and Summer Artman on the roster for 2017
Coupled with the latest announcements there is just one place left in the Mavericks squad for the new season and the youngsters stepping up, Everitt and Adio, can't wait to get going.
"I'm so excited to be part of the Mavericks squad in my first Superleague season," said Everitt.
"It is something that I have always aspired to achieve, and I plan to make the most of this opportunity every time we step on court.
"We have a really talented and diverse squad which has the potential to be very successful this season."
