Trinidadian netball star Samantha Wallace-Joseph has signed with Loughborough Lightning for the 2025 Netball Super League (NSL) season, following a high-profile and controversial departure from Australia’s NSW Swifts, marking a fresh chapter in her illustrious career.
The Trinidadian goal shooter joins the reigning back-to-back NSL champions in a move that is being hailed as a significant signing for the Lightning.
Wallace-Joseph, who spent seven highly successful seasons with the NSW Swifts in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball League, departs following a mutual decision to part ways after a challenging period marred by internal issues. Despite her recent two-year hiatus due to knee surgery, she remains one of the sport’s most prominent figures, renowned for her exceptional shooting skills and leadership on the court.
Loughborough Lightning, thrilled with the acquisition, sees Wallace-Joseph as a vital addition, especially following the departure of their former shooting star Mary Cholhok to the Queensland Firebirds. With Wallace-Joseph’s wealth of international experience and a proven track record of success, Lightning aims to maintain their dominance in the NSL.
Excitement over the squad’s new signings
Head Coach Vic Burgess expressed excitement over the squad’s new signings, including Wallace-Joseph, South African defender Shadine Van Der Merwe, former Manchester Thunder shooter Berri Neil, and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Jodie Gibson. “As back-to-back defending champions, we’re aware that there will be a target on our back. With this in mind, we’ve recruited exciting players across the court to ensure that we’re in a position to battle for silverware once again,” Burgess said.
Wallace-Joseph’s departure from the Swifts came after an impressive tenure that saw her become a central figure in the team’s successes. However, despite her contributions, the relationship between the Swifts and Wallace-Joseph soured over time, ultimately leading to their mutual decision to part ways. Her move to Loughborough marks a new beginning, offering her the opportunity to re-establish herself in the NSL and further cement her status as one of netball’s premier shooters.
With the 2025 season set to begin in March, Wallace-Joseph will be eager to hit the ground running, using her experience to lead Loughborough Lightning in their quest for a third consecutive title. She joins an already formidable roster that includes key returning players such as captain Nat Panagarry, Beth Cobden, and Ella Clark.
For Wallace-Joseph, this move represents a chance to refresh her career, leaving behind the turbulence of her final days in Australia and embracing the opportunity to shine on the English stage.
 season){kind=link}