INJURED Severn Stars player Sam Cook will step up as assistant coach as the club builds towards the new Vitality Netball Superleague season.

Cook, who has been a fixture in Stars’ defensive line-up for the past two seasons, will be working with new head coach Melissa Bessell.

“I am excited about taking my coaching to the next level,” Cook said.

“It's not just the playing opportunities that you take in netball when a chance to coach at Superleague level presents itself, you have to take it.

“Having loved coaching the pathway, I am looking forward to the new challenge of working with players at the highest level of netball in this country.

“I have played alongside a lot of this year’s squad and, as a result, hope that my leadership on the court will have gained their trust and respect to lead them off the court too.”

Cook has been the Severn Stars Pathway head coach for the past two years, helping to guide younger players in the under 19 and under 21 set-up.

The 27-year-old is currently unable to play herself due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in her knee back in September.

“I never thought that as a result of my injury I would end up assisting Melissa, however I knew that I wanted to be involved in some capacity,” said Cook.

“With big decisions to make regarding my playing career, I felt this would be too great an opportunity not to take, especially under the guidance of such a supportive and passionate head coach.”