I've gotta fly

Warrnambool premiership defender Samantha Holt has signed with Team Northumbria, based in Newcastle, England.

The 22-year-old negotiated the terms of her contract by email before committing to one season, which starts in January.

The netball export has about four weeks to pack her bags as she is required at her new home next month.

"It was a long process," Holt said.

"But eventually it all worked out.

"I'm just so excited to get back to playing a good level of netball."

Team Northumbria is a representative side of the University of Northumbria.

A major condition of Holt's contract is that she studies, as well as plays.

But after more than four years studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne and a Masters of Teaching via correspondence, the decorated netballer was hesitant.

"No one gets paid over there," she said.

"The only way I could have been paid was to be an import and a student.

"But I was a bit tentative to go back to uni after so many years of studying."

Holt managed to convince the university to increase its cash incentive to seal the deal.

She will now recieve a $12,000 scholarship towards living and study expenses.

The highly anticipated recruit will also complete a Masters of Sport Coaching.

Holt admitted Team Northumbria did not take much convincing.

She uploaded action footage on YouTube and documented her stints at Melbourne Phoenix, Victoria Fury and Booroondara Genesis to assist her case.

Her physical stature and national-level experience was too good to overlook.

"I didn't have to prove myself," she said.

"My height will be a big bonus (because) most of the players over there are average height. "I presume I will mostly be playing goal defence.

"My height would allow me to play goal keeper but I expect to be running."

Team Northumbria has been a regular bottom-order side in past years.

However, the appointment of former English goal attack Tracey Neville and the construction of a $66 million sports complex is set to turn its fortunes around.

"Hopefully it will drag us up from the bottom of the ladder," Holt said.

"The new head coach should bring a winning culture to the club."

Holt, formerly of Portland, is based in Kiama, where she has been working three jobs t o fund her overseas venture.

Aside from playing one game for Heywood earlier this year, she has taken a complete break from her sport of choice.

"I really needed a refresher from netball," she said.

Holt conceded the standard of the competition trailed the trans-Tasman league but she said it was a good chance to get noticed in Australia.

"This will build my netball resume," she said.

"The (English Superleague) is televised so that will help to get footage to push into other teams."

Holt will settle into Newcastle by playing regular inter-university matches before starting pre-season training in October.