Winning back-to-back Vitality Superleague championships is the aim for Manchester Thunder’s Amy Carter as the team enter the new season.

Fresh off the back of winning her first cap for the Vitality Roses at netball’s inaugural Nations Cup last month, the medical student believes her team have a deeper driving force for this year’s title.

It’s a familiar foe up first for Thunder on February 22, as they face Wasps in a repeat of last season’s Grand Final.

Carter’s side got the better of the Midlands outfit that day staging a thrilling comeback to complete a 57-52 victory and prevent Wasps from securing their third successive title.

But what is the 21-year-old, who plays at wing defence and centre, most looking forward to this year?

“Winning!” said Carter. “I think knowing we could be back-to-back champions is potentially driving us to want to win again more.

“It’s looking quite slick and good in training. But we’re not looking towards the end at the minute. We’re just going to focus on each match at a time.”

Balancing a burgeoning medical career and netball is no mean feat and the Macclesfield natives weekly scheduled is packed.

Two Thunder practices, weekend Superleague contests, Wednesday games for the University of Manchester and three weight training sessions.

All this plus commuting to Bury for a full-time placement at a hospital where no one has recognised her — yet.

Carter said: “I don’t think I’d want them to!

“But some of the doctors have daughters who play so when they found out they were interested.”

There are parallels between medicine and netball and the future doctor believes an analytical mind helps in both aspects of her life.

“In netball you’ll play a game and reflect on what you do. It’s the same in medicine,” Carter added.

“You’ll speak to a patient and then talk about what you’d do better next time.”

Netball runs in the Carter family as the third-year medical student sometimes serves as a mentor of sort to sister Rachel.

The 18-year-old plays for Thunder’s Under-19 squad and the older sibling offers support when needed.

“I only give advice when she asks for it,” said the University of Manchester student.

“But if she’s stressed, I try to calm her down.

“At the end of the day we’re just throwing a rubber ball around a court and it’s meant to be for enjoyment. That’s the reason I do it.”