Sophie Drakeford-Lewis excited to be back with Team Bath

Sophie Drakeford-Lewis is looking forward to continuing her development with Team Bath Netball after signing on for a second successive Vitality Superleague season.

The 19-year-old enjoyed an excellent debut campaign with the Blue & Gold, establishing herself as a regular starter at goal-attack and impressing supporters and team-mates with her performances.

Drakeford-Lewis has once again been selected in the England Roses U21 squad for the 2018-19 season and has just completed a six-week training block in preparation for next month Netball Europe competition in Belfast.

She returns to the University of Bath this week and cannot wait to get back into training with her team-mates.

"I am really looking forward to my second season with Team Bath, it's going to be great to link up again with the returning players and welcome some exciting new faces to the squad, said Drakeford-Lewis.

"There is a really good mix of youth and experience in the squad and I have learnt so much during the 12 months I have been here. I was so pleased with how much court-time I got last season and my game has definitely improved because of that, I learnt a lot about court craft and combination play.

"I also got to work alongside some truly inspirational players and that has really helped me develop. I'm looking forward to pushing on again in the Blue & Gold in 2019."

Head coach Jess Thirlby, said: "We are so pleased to welcome Sophie back to the Blue & Gold for the 2019 season.

"Given that last year was only her second season playing at Superleague level and her first with Team Bath, she made a huge difference and played with a maturity beyond her years.

"Sophie is a clinical and committed player who is accurate under the post, all the characteristics you need in a goal-attack. She plays with a fearlessness and a sense of calm which gives those around her a lot of confidence.

"She is a real student of the game and is shining not only on the Superleague stage but also with England Futures as she prepares to represent the U21s at Netball Europe in October."

Drakeford-Lewis is the fifth player confirmed in the Team Bath for 2019, joining Mia Ritchie, Rachel Shaw and Commonwealth Games champions Eboni Beckford-Chambers and Serena Guthrie.