Sunshine Coast Lightning’s Steph Wood has earned the prestigious honour of being named the Origin Diamonds Vice Captain ahead of their upcoming international campaign.
The representative side announced Wood’s leadership role alongside Captain Liz Watson in an official announcement this morning.
The Diamonds captaincy selection went through a strenuous process, voted by their teammates as well as a selection committee comprised of Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich, Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan and former Diamonds Captain Liz Ellis AO.
Wood was eternally grateful when Marinkovich broke the news to her as part of the current Diamonds training camp.
“It is an honour to be named as Vice Captain,” Wood said.
“It was a shock when Stacey told me, but I am very excited to see what this group can do as we build towards the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup.”
Marinkovich praised the 29-year-old’s team-first mentality and strong leadership characteristics.
“Steph is an ultimate team player and her leadership reflects the type of person she is – she is highly respected and leads by example on the court.”
Lightning Head Coach Kylee Byrne was thrilled to hear of Wood’s elevation to Vice Captain of the Diamonds this week.
“Honestly, I am so pleased for Steph, she more than deserves this recognition and I have no doubt she will excel in the formal leadership role,” Byrne said.
“Steph is such a playmaker but it’s her influence on her fellow teammates that can really lift a team.”
The Diamonds are currently undertaking a training camp on the Sunshine Coast as the prepare for a hopeful international series against the English Roses on home soil.
