Loughborough University has extended the contract of Ugandan netball star Peace Proscovia for the next two seasons.
Proscovia, the first Ugandan to play professional netball in the UK, has been also signed onto a two year Masters course, which will see her combine sport with academia like many of her teammates.
Loughborough Lightening finished sixth in the SuperLeague this season, and with Proscovia in the team, there is every chance they will finish even higher in 2016.
The goal shooter finished the season as third top points scorer, with the best percentage of any player in the league.
“Academically, Proscovia has enrolled onto a part-time Masters in Marketing and Management with the School of Business & Economics at Loughborough University.” Pete Matthews, PRO of Loughborough said in a statement.
Prior to moving to the UK, Proscovia graduated from Uganda Christian University Mukono with a BSc in Business Administration.
Peace, recently crowned the best netball player and sports personality for the year, 2014 by the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) is so grateful for the offer.
“Firstly I would like to thank Loughborough University for giving me this opportunity to come over, play here and get more experience. In addition to that I’m really so excited about the opportunity they have given me to do my Masters overseas” said Proscovia.
“The people here are very nice, most especially the Loughborough Lightning players who have been so nice to me and we have lived like a family. But I must dedicate everything I have achieved this season to my coach Karen, who has been there for me right from the time I came here, and my performance has probably increased just because of her. I’m so happy that I’m coming back for two years and I believe my game will grow bigger and bigger!”
Of the announcement, Head Coach Karen Atkinson said:
“We are delighted that Peace not only decided to play for Lightning for the next two years, but also further her studies here. Both on and off the court Peace has been an outstanding addition to the team, her work ethic and high shooting volume and percentages have contributed to Lightning’s improvement this season.
“This is also great news for our growing partnership with Netball Uganda and we would love to welcome role models such as Peace to Loughborough in the future.”
Peace is now in Uganda ahead of the first appearance at the Netball World Cup for 35 years now.