Mid-courter Mikki Austin is the first player to re-sign for Surrey Storm ahead of the 2017 Vitality Netball Superleague season.
The 23-year-old signed from Hertfordshire Mavericks two seasons ago, making her debut on the opening night of the 2015 campaign against Manchester Thunder, and instantly became a fans’ favourite for her passion on and off court.
A harsh injury sustained midway into the season saw Austin sit out for just under half of the campaign, but she was ever-present on the sidelines lending her valuable experience to the rest of the team.
Mikki returned to competitive action at the start of the 2016 season, playing her part in Storm’s back-to-back title success and being vital in the club’s community coaching programme across London and the South East.
How good was it to see @mikki_austin back on court on Saturday? @SkyNetball @NetballSL pic.twitter.com/CYFGHVWAdH
— Surrey Storm (@SurreyStorm) February 16, 2016
Following her re-signing, Austin said: “I am hugely excited to be back on board with Surrey Storm for another season, with a new generation of netball, new players and new coaching staff. I am keen to get started and build towards achieving a hat-trick of championship wins for Surrey!
“Thank you so much to the fans who continue to back Storm every step of the way. I cannot wait to see you all at our home games and Netball London Live. This season is sure to be a cracker!”
Wonder where @mikki_austin is right now? ? live on @SkySportsNewsHQ #Sportswomen at 12.30pm! @NetballSL @SkyNetball pic.twitter.com/ip4zpsRzVQ
— Surrey Storm (@SurreyStorm) May 9, 2016
Mikki is the first player to commit her immediate future to Storm, with more expected in the coming weeks as trials and pre-season training gets underway.
News of tickets and fixtures are expected to be released soon – be sure to keep an eye on surreystormnetball.co.uk for all of the latest news first!
Lots of young ballers enjoying netball in the sun @GoFestUK @Surreysportpark with @mikki_austin #StormintheCommunity pic.twitter.com/rFT35diEcb
— Surrey Storm (@SurreyStorm) July 10, 2015
Listen to Mikki chat to BBC Radio’s Andy Lamb after securing her future with Storm: