"I am 100% committed to the superb group of athletes and support staff I'm privileged to work with - we'll continue to work hard and hope to lift that Grand Final trophy on the 7th July"
Thursday 7 November 2019 11:56, UK
Loughborough Lightning director of netball Anna Carter has announced that she will step down from her role at the end of the season.
Carter, who was previously Lightning's U21 coach, took over the role following the departure of Karen Atkinson at the end of the 2017 Vitality Superleague season and has guided Loughborough to second in the table this term.
However, the former England international, who is based in Leeds, has opted to pursue opportunities closer to home, after struggling to balance the commute with her head coach role.
"This has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. However as an extremely competitive person I always want to do my best in whatever I do and this just wasn't proving possible in my current situation," Carter admitted.
"Whilst the timing of an announcement like this is never ideal, myself and the players are on completely the same page when it comes to our goals for the season.
"My decision doesn't change anything and over the next few weeks I am 100% committed to the superb group of athletes and support staff I'm privileged to work with - we'll continue to work hard and hope to lift that Grand Final trophy on the 7th July," she insisted.
"My decision doesn't change anything and over the next few weeks I am 100% committed to the superb group of athletes and support staff I'm privileged to work with - we'll continue to work hard and hope to lift that Grand Final trophy on the 7th July."
Loughborough University's performance and development director Richard Wheater added: "We'd like to place on record our thanks to Anna for the work she has done so far and will continue to do over the coming weeks.
"Making a decision like this is never easy, but I know she'll continue to do the very best she can for our players and our programme over the coming weeks as she looks to end her time in Loughborough on a high," he said.
Lightning currently sit second in the Vitality Superleague table after enjoying an impressive run of seven consecutive victories.
They also ended Wasps' 12-match unbeaten start to the season with a stunning 60-47 win at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday and remain in pole position to secure a top four spot.
Follow the 2018 Superleague season with us on Sky Sports and through our website skysports.com/Netball with news, previews, reports and expert analysis throughout the season. And also our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkyNetball - #BelieveTheHype
