Former England international and Superleague champion Sam Cook is to join Cheltenham College as Director of Netball.

Cook currently plays in the Vitality Netball Superleague for Severn Stars and will take up her position at the school from September 2019.

Cook will lead on all coaching and development for netball players at the school from the ages of three to 18. She joins a team of 18 Sports Professionals at the school.

The sports department at Cheltenham College, led by Great Britain hockey Olympian Ben Marsden, is dedicated to ensuring that over 1,000 pupils participate in sport each week and that those pupils who wish to succeed at the highest levels have the support to do so.

Netball is one of over 20 sports enjoyed by pupils at Cheltenham College and Cook’s previous role as head coach for the Severn Stars Junior Pathway means that she is already familiar with several of the pupils at College.

Cook is originally from Cheltenham and attended St John’s, a primary school that is partnered with Cheltenham College. In 2015 she gained her first senior England cap against Jamaica and has represented England at every age group, including under-17s, under-19s, under-21s and seniors.

Ben Marsden said: “Sam’s sporting credentials are fantastic but more than that it was her experience and natural talent for coaching all ages and abilities that made her an outstanding candidate for this role.

“Our pupils are incredibly fortunate to be able to benefit from her input during their time here at the prep and senior school. We look forward to seeing even more pupils playing and achieving on the netball court in future.”

Cook added: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Cheltenham College at this stage in my career.

“As a youngster I played here and passed the incredible buildings and facilities each day. It really feels like coming home to be returning to Cheltenham as Director of Netball. I cannot wait to get started.”