Australian Diamonds midcourter Maddy Proud will remain with the Swifts until at least 2026 after recommitting to the Foundation Club for another three years.
The deal puts the co-captain on track to become a Centurion of the Club she joined in 2017 with 94 Swifts games under her belt already.
A Premiership winner in 2019 and 2021, Proud’s been a Swifts leader since 2019 as well as one of the most dynamic midcourt athletes in the league.
“Since moving to Sydney in 2017 I have loved every moment of my time with the Swifts and there is no other place I’d rather play,” Proud, who played 44 games for the Adelaide Thunderbirds prior to 2017, said.
“While I made my debut for Adelaide, I have spent most of my formative years at the Swifts and I feel this is where I’ve been able to take my game to the next level.
“I believe success brings hunger for more and I think that’s a key factor in what drives us to succeed. Sometimes you look back on disappointments like this year’s Grand Final defeat and think ‘what could I have done different?’
“The hurt of just falling short in the decider is one of the big drivers that motivates me, because I want to take stock, re-evaluate and taste that Premiership feeling with the Swifts again.
“We’ve grown so much together and I don’t want us to be like The Beatles or One Direction and break up too early!”
With the names of the 11 Swifts Centurions adorning the stands of Ken Rosewall Arena, Proud admitted seeing her name up alongside the likes of Liz Ellis, Cath Cox and current teammates Hadley, Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau was also a driver in the decision to remain in Sydney.
“As a Foundation Club the Swifts have been pioneers for not just netball, but women in sport for almost 30 years and reaching that milestone for a Club as respected and storied would mean the world to me.”
Swifts head coach Briony Akle was delighted to re-sign her co-captain on a long-term deal.
“Maddy is not just a brilliant athlete, she is one of the top ambassadors for our sport and you cannot underestimate what that does for us on and off the court.
“There are few players as brave as Maddy and her vision and work rate are next level. There is a reason she has so many Game MVP awards to her name because she leads from the front.
“She is also a general who listens and possesses a great feel for a game and what to do under pressure. That’s key for a Club looking to achieve a sustained level of excellence.”
The Swifts will announce further player signings for 2024 in due course.
