Rising shooting star Lois Pearson has re-signed for her fourth season for Manchester Thunder. Having cemented a starting spot in the 2023 season and starring for England Roses at Fast5, tying down the England Futures star was a no-brainer for head coach Karen Greig.
During the 2023 Super League season, Pearson played in all 20 games and shot 333 goals, improving her goal accuracy by over 12%. Pearson’s growth was significant last season and is a proud product of the Thunder talent pathway. Starting back in 2012, it was the 2021 season she stepped up to become a first team squad member.
Showing consistency throughout last season, Pearson – also known as the silent assassin – said, “I’m really excited to be returning to Thunder again for the 2024 season. I think we had a really great season on and off the court so I’m excited to do it all over again.”
She continued, “I think it’s nice to have been in the Thunder pathway all the way through. I think Thunder are really good at retaining all of their players, so it’s been really nice to play now at Super League level with all of the players who I played with when I was younger and having Karen who also coached me through the pathway.”
The Future Roses Programme has welcomed the twenty-three-year-old shooter back this season after her debut in 2022, representing the England Roses at the FAST5 Netball world series finishing in fourth place in New Zealand.
Pearson commented on her England Roses experience and said, “I think the main thing with the England programme is just getting to play with lots of different players from different teams, who have a different style of play and just learning to adapt. I think that adaptability is really useful when we have these new exciting signings coming in and learning to play with them and building those connections.”
Karen Greig, head coach of Manchester Thunder, said, “I am so happy to re-sign Lois for the 2024 season. Her progression over the last three seasons has been fantastic, and she has really proved that she is one of the best GA/WA in the NSL.”
“To find a player who can give you GA and WA positions so well and comfortably is a rare feat, and she does it so stealthily. I am excited for her continued progression and the flexibility she brings to our attacking line up.”
Reflecting on the season ahead, Pearson said, “We have some unfinished business, so I think we’ll be striving for that final position again and I think working in the new signings and combinations, helping to build those connections.”
When Pearson is not on the court, she is a full-time accountant, Pearson said, “It is hard, it takes a lot of organisation and time management, but I think I’m really lucky that both the team and work are really supportive so that definitely helps.”
