Rhea Dixon has informed Sky Sports activities she has taken a “leap of religion” becoming a member of new NSL franchise Nottingham Forest Netball, including she’s “all about new adventures.”
The relaunched Netball Tremendous League (NSL) – dwell on Sky Sports activities from March 14 – has been trimmed from 10 to eight groups, with 50 per cent of video games to be performed in main arenas to attract greater crowds and improve the match-day expertise.
Objective assault Dixon has been a part of a vastly profitable Loughborough Lightning facet during the last two seasons, making 16 appearances in 2024 and 13 in 2023 en path to title victories in each campaigns.
It got here as a shock, subsequently, when the 27-year-old Jamaica worldwide – named MVP in 2024’s Netball Tremendous League Grand Last – was introduced as a part of Forest’s first NSL squad for his or her debut season.
Dixon says doing one thing new and surprising is what attracted her to the transfer, although: “Yeah I might say so [it’s a leap of faith]. I am all about getting higher and studying and new adventures.
“I believe the problem that got here with becoming a member of Forest as a brand new membership was simply actually thrilling for me. The chance to work with Chelsea [Pitman, head coach], I knew she would problem me in methods I’ve in all probability not been challenged earlier than, and the group of ladies we’ve got is simply so unimaginable.
“It was a possibility that might hold growing me and hold me in the best way that I am making an attempt to go.
“I am nonetheless making an attempt to get higher, making an attempt to be taught and get as a lot data as I can. On the identical time I can name myself – as a lot because it makes me sound outdated – skilled, having been in a successful group for the previous two years and now clearly stepping onto the worldwide scene as effectively.
“I really feel like that brings one other stage of expertise. So I am skilled however nonetheless studying and making an attempt to do what I can to assist lead this group ahead.”
Dixon clinched Netball Tremendous League titles in 2023 and 2024 with Loughborough Lightning
‘To have the backing of a Premier League soccer membership is unimaginable’
In Could 2024, Nottingham Forest soccer membership launched an announcement confirming the formation of Nottingham Forest Netball.
Inside their press launch, they stated: “The membership will now work to develop a novel model and id for Nottingham Netball beneath the Nottingham Forest banner.
“The announcement comes following the membership’s pioneering initiative A New Imaginative and prescient For Sport which was launched earlier this 12 months, a challenge dedicated to making sure that each grownup and each little one in Nottinghamshire is afforded the time and the leisure house to train for his or her well being and wellbeing.”
The NSL has been trimmed to eight groups with 50 per cent of video games to be performed in main arenas
Having the backing of a Premier League soccer membership is one thing Dixon marvelled at in dialog with Sky Sports activities.
“It is unimaginable,” she stated. “I’ve not been in a membership earlier than the place I really feel like we’re simply given the very best.
“I do not know whether or not that is due to the brand new league and the professionalisation and the best way issues are going, however I believe Forest have simply been nothing however supportive of us and all of the workers from the soccer facet have jumped on board and actually supported us in each means doable.
“We’re actually grateful for the help to date, and hopefully we may give again on courtroom.
“In assault, we are able to anticipate dynamic, inventive, thrilling motion. In defence, gritty ball winners. And I believe general, simply as a group, united and related – ranging from the bottom up.
“You possibly can’t simply create an id. I believe it’s important to discover out what it’s that brings the ten of you plus the workers and everybody on board.
“We’re nonetheless perhaps engaged on precisely what our id would seem like, not making an attempt to drive something, however you may positively see it out on courtroom.”
Dixon was named MVP in 2024’s Netball Tremendous League Grand Last vs Manchester Thunder
Pitman will carry requirements many coaches would not be capable of – she’s invaluable
In July 2024, former England worldwide Pitman, who earned 52 caps for England and was a part of the 2018 Commonwealth gold-winning group, was appointed Forest head coach.
Pitman was taking part in as not too long ago as final 12 months for Giants Netball in Sydney, and her presence was a key issue too in Dixon making the transfer to Nottingham.
“It is sensible for her to have the ability to come as a result of she clearly has such latest expertise and is aware of what’s greatest for us,” Dixon stated.
“She is aware of what is going to make us tick and issues, but in addition as a participant that is been in skilled setups for thus lengthy, she actually brings that stage of professionalism, expectation and requirements I do not assume many different coaches within the league would have or be capable of carry.
“In that means, she pushes us off the courtroom, however on the courtroom as effectively. She’s so skilled and has a lot data of the sport.
“To have the ability to have a coach like that, the place I’m in my profession, is invaluable.”
Watch the beginning of the revamped Netball Tremendous League marketing campaign with the model new Tremendous Cup dwell on Sky Sports activities Combine and Sky Sports activities’ YouTube channel from 11.30am on Saturday March 8. Not acquired Sky? Get Sky Sports activities or stream with no contract on NOW.
