SYDNEY, Australia, CMC- Trinidad & Tobago goal shooter Samantha Wallace said she was looking forward to the 2024 Super Netball League season in Australia after almost two seasons out because of a career-threatening knee injury.
Wallace, who turns 30 on January 1 and January 16, is set to return to the court after she signed on with this past season’s runners-up, New South Wales Swifts, for the 2024 SNL, which opens on Saturday, April 13. April 13e-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the Swifts, Wallace underwent knee reconstruction surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear in the first round of the SNL season last year, and she has endured a long road to recovery.
“I’m not gonna lie, there were times when I thought it may have been the end for me, but so many people at the Swifts helped me through, and I will be grateful to them forever,” she said in an article on the Swifts’ website.
“Even though I couldn’t play over the past two seasons, I always felt part of the club, both on game day and in the community, and the medical staff who looked after me were so kind.”
Wallace has 77 appearances for the Swifts over five seasons in the SNL, and her composure, smarts, and accuracy helped her to earn the MVP award in the SNL Grand Final four years ago when the club won the title.
She has quietly earned a reputation as one of the finest and most entertaining shooters in the League, both under the post and from range, and played a starring role in the Swifts winning the title two years later.
“Before getting injured, the last full game I played was the 2021 Grand Final win, and that happy memory is a driving force for me,” she added.
“I know it won’t be easy because there are so many brilliant players that you come up against, but the basics of the game and how to read it have not changed. I want my smarts to help me while I get up to speed.
“I want to say how much I love my teammates, coaches, staff, and fans of the Swifts, and I cannot wait to hit the court.”
Swifts head coach Briony Akle said the return of the 6ft, 4in tall goal shooter/goal attack, who has represented T&T in two World Cups and the Commonwealth Games, will be an emotional affair for all the right reasons.
“Having had so much heartache over the past two seasons, I know it will be an extra-special moment when Sammy steps on court in front of our home fans for the first time,” she said.
“Knee injuries are complex, recoveries can fluctuate, and so much time is spent working hard by yourself to try and get back. As has our amazing medical and conditioning team, Sammy has done tremendous work to get herself in this position.
Akle continued: “I have always said: ‘She’s Sam Wallace!’ You will try to move heaven and earth to keep her part of your team.
“She has a proven ability at this level, and I think she can be the greatest goal shooter in our game again. That’s the challenge she’s relishing, and we as a team can’t wait to support her.”
Swifts open the following season against Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday, April 14, and April 14UniSC Arena.
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