London Mavericks can announce the addition of a highly skilled performance team that will work alongside our recently unveiled coaching staff, which includes renowned figures Tamsin Greenway, Camilla Buchanan, Mikki Austin, and Mel Mansfield.
This exceptional support team features former England international rugby union player Calum Clark, who will be joined by Sachel Grant, Izzy Wixcey, Sophie Sawers and James Clark. Together, they will play a crucial role in enhancing the team’s performance during London Mavericks’ inaugural season.
Sachel Grant – Pathway Manager
Sachel has dedicated the past 30 years to coaching and developing talented netballers. With over 12 years of experience at Mavericks, where she has coached at every level within the pathway, Sachel’s commitment to the sport is evident. In 2017, she became the pathway lead, and in January 2024, she also took on the role of Head Coach for the Northern Ireland U21 netball team. Known for her ability to build strong relationships on and off the court, Sachel creates an environment where both players and coaches can thrive.
“I am passionate about life, people, and netball, and this combination drives me to keep pushing and contributing to the progression of the sport.”
“Mavericks has been an extremely important part of my coaching journey in performance sport, and I have witnessed many changes over the years. In this next chapter with London Mavericks, I am looking forward to working with new coaches and staff. Supporting and producing talented players and coaches through the pathway, who go on to represent at the senior level, is key for me, and I am excited to see that continue.”
Calum Clark – Performance and Wellbeing Coach
Calum Clark joins the Mavericks performance team after a 14-year career in professional rugby union, where he played for Leeds, Northampton Saints, Saracens and England. During his career, he won three Premiership titles and two European Cups. While still playing, Calum earned an MSc in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Philosophy.
Clark applied these qualifications in his role as head of player development and wellbeing at Saracens, before advancing to head of psychological performance, where he played an important role in the club’s 2022-23 Premiership title campaign.
“The career achievements I am most proud of are facilitating the growth and development of the young talented players I have worked with such as Ben Earl, Andy Christie, and Theo Dan. Seeing them grow, succeed, and achieve their ambitions easily eclipses anything I ever achieved in my own career.”
After leaving Saracens, Clark founded Innate High Performance, which aims improve the performance, health, and wellbeing of high-performing individuals.
“I’m thrilled by the chance to create something that’s both successful and enduring. I’m eager to see how my contributions can positively influence the organization’s goals.”
Sophie Sawers – Physiotherapist Lead
After graduating from the University of Gloucestershire, Sophie worked within the NHS for 4 months before achieving her dream of working in sport, with Saracens Mavericks in the Netball Super League. Sophie is passionate about
“Women’s sport is so underrated and not recognised enough, especially netball in the UK. Being a female and having played various sports growing up, I’m passionate about raising awareness and being actively involved in the development of women’s sports in the UK.”
“I’m excited about this new journey of building the London Mavericks franchise and contributing to making netball more professional. I’m eager to see what this experience has to offer and feel extremely lucky to be part of it. I’m also thrilled to work alongside incredible people and share this journey with them while watching the next generation of netball players develop and pursue their dream of becoming professional netball players.”
Izzy Wixcey – Performance Analyst Lead
Izzy joins the London Mavericks team as a performance analyst, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong academic background. She studied at both the University of Surrey and Loughborough University, where she developed her expertise in performance analysis across a wide range of sports. Now, she is excited to combine her passion for netball with her professional skills by taking on the role of lead performance analyst for the London Mavericks.
“I would like to positively contribute to empowering female athletes, and ensuring that they receive the recognition, resources, and opportunities they deserve.”
“I am excited about being a part of a new franchise, where we can learn, develop and implement new ideas to be successful in the new NSL.”
James Clark – S&C Lead
James Clark will lead the Mavericks’ strength and conditioning program, bringing a wealth of experience from various organizations. After earning his degree from the University of Exeter, Clark initially worked in football before pursuing a master’s degree in strength and conditioning at Middlesex University. He then joined Saracens, where he played a key role in the team’s Premiership rugby final victory.
Clark’s journey within Netball began with Saracens Mavericks in 2022. Now, with the newly formed London Mavericks, he is most excited about the fresh start and the journey to see what can be achieved with the new squad, building towards the super league and the new professional era of netball.