SEVERN Stars are looking for a new head coach to spearhead their next Vitality Netball Superleague campaign after Australian Mo’onia Gerrard quit the role.

Gerrard led the University of Worcester Arena-based team in their debut Superleague campaign but has stepped down to commit more time to her young family.

But the 36-year-old remains part of Stars' set-up as a technical coach and will come in to give players the benefit of her defensive expertise at various points throughout next season.

The team, a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, have started the process of appointing a replacement head coach to build on the team’s progress ahead of the coming season.

Gerrard said: “I have loved being a part of Stars’ inaugural season in the Superleague as head coach. 

"I feel the club have made great progress in a short period of time and I am excited to see the success of the club as they move forward. 

"Although I will be stepping aside as head coach to spend more time with my family I will be staying involved in a different capacity and will contribute to the growth of the club.

"Thanks to all the fans for their support in our first year and I look forward to seeing everybody in the next season.”

Stars director of netball Pamela Cookey said: “Mo’onia has been a key part of our Stars journey and has had a great impact on the players.

“Though we will be losing her in the head coach role Mo’onia will still be involved in the team’s development as a technical coach throughout next season.

"I would like to thank Mo’onia on behalf of all at Stars for everything she has done for the team in this capacity in our inaugural season and know the ethos and team spirit she has fostered will continue into next season.

“We’ll be looking to recruit a new head coach as quickly as possible to take the team forward and build on the base Mon has laid down.”