Today (22/12/20), we celebrate the birthday of Iona Christian as the Roses Future turns 23!
Iona’s 22nd year proved to be an exciting one which started out with great promise as the mid-courter starred for England A at the Vitality Netball Nations Cup and her new Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) side.
The Roses Future swapped Severn Stars, a team she represented for three seasons, for two-time VNSL champions Wasps Netball in 2019 and made her debut for the Coventry side in 2020.
Iona made her first appearance for the club at a sold out Arena Birmingham and played two further games with her teammates before the cancellation of the season.
🐝💛🖤☺️ https://t.co/D7odM6Ume2
— Iona Christian (@Iona_Christian_) February 23, 2020
The mid-courter, however, was a valued member of Head Coach Mel Mansfield’s starting VII and duly announced that she would be returning with Wasps for the upcoming 2021 season.
“I am super excited to re-sign for Wasps this year! I can’t wait to finally get back on court with such a talented group of girls. I’m really looking forward to learning lots, getting stuck in at training and competing with and against the best,” she said.
Internationally, Iona was also offered another place in the full-time programme once again. The 23-year-old is among a talented group of young players called the Roses Futures and has gained experience training alongside the best players in the country.
The Illustration student has been a member of the England set-up for many years, making a name for herself with England A and the U21 squads as well as for her VNSL clubs. In fact, Iona has tasted success at U21 Netball Europe, multiple tours and at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gaborone in 2017.
Iona won bronze in Botswana and her experience in these competitions helped set up a promising career for the youngster. Iona got her chance to perform for the Vitality Roses at Netball Europe Open in 2019. A young side led by Sam Bird won the tournament in Belfast.
Now 23, Iona will be hoping to continue her netball journey and show what she can do when 2021 comes around.
Why not wish Iona a happy birthday on her Twitter or Instagram profile?
Follow England Netball on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news and content.
