The Sunshine Coast Lightning have experienced an off-season overhaul, with key players coming and going.
The University of the Sunshine Coast-based team, which has made the finals of the national netball league in all five of their seasons, have made some significant changes to their squad for 2022.
Annie Miller, Reilley Batcheldor, Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Tara Hinchliffe have linked with the club, while Karla Pretorius, Laura Scherian, Steph Wood, Mahalia Cassidy, Kate Shimmin and Cara Koenen have signed on for another year and Phumza Maweni, Peace Proscovia, Madeline McAuliffe and Ashlee Unie have left.
Miller, 20, is an exciting mid-court talent who was a Giants training partner this year and is a member of the Australian under-21 team. She’s known for her speed, athleticism and endurance.
She felt privileged to join Lightning and take the next step in her career.
“Lightning is continuously amongst the top teams in the league and I’m just grateful to (coach) Kylee (Byrne) and the team for this opportunity.”
“Playing in my first SSN game earlier this year just consolidated in my mind that professional netball is my passion and I can’t wait to get into pre-season training and get started.”
Batcheldor was signed after being a training partner at the Firebirds and impressing for the Queensland Sapphires.
She is also an Australian under-21 squad member and will bolster the Lightning’s shooting depth.
“I couldn’t stop smiling after my phone call with Kylee and it’s such an honour to join a team like Lightning,” she said.
“I can’t wait to work with Steph and Cara and the entire team and really focus on improving my netball.
“This is an opportunity I’ve been working hard for, for a number of years and now is the time to work hard and listen and learn and soak up all the information I can.”
Jamaican representative Dehaney, 25, is an emerging star in defence, who has been with Melbourne Vixens.
“I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to join this Lightning group, because I think it will give me more of an opportunity to grow my game,” she said.
“Looking from the outside in, the group seems to have a really strong bond on and off the court, and being an international, that environment is something that really appeals to me.
“Readjusting to a new environment after living in Melbourne for so long will be a challenge but I am looking forward to some sunshine on the coast.”
Defender and ex-Firebird Hinchliffe was eager to play an important role at the club.
“I’m really excited for a new challenge, and to immerse myself within the Lightning team and culture,” she said.
“The opportunity to play with, and learn from, new players with different skills and international experience was hard to turn down.”
The 23-year-old is rehabilitating a ruptured ACL, sustained in July. She’s on track to return to action in mid-2022.
Captain Pretorius signed again after starring for the club each season since its formation in 2017.
The inspirational defender was the club’s Player of the Year from 2018 to 2020.
“Every season at Lightning brings something new but I’ve loved and cherished each of them and am excited to see what is in store for 2022,” she said.
“We have such a close-knit group of players and staff who all want to improve and grow with each session and I truly believe that’s what makes this club so special.
“The last two seasons have left us with unfinished business and now, more than ever, I want to do everything within my power to be there with my Lightning teammates come Grand Final day next year.”
Scherian, who has also been with the club since its inception in 2017, has also re-signed.
The decision to remain at Lightning was an easy one, according to the mid-courter, who has surpassed 1000 goal assists and closing on 2000 feeds in Super Netball.
“This club is my family and the Sunshine Coast has really become my home and I couldn’t picture myself playing anywhere else,” she said.
“’I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Lightning for 2022 and really excited to play my role in this next chapter.”
Lightning foundation player and goal attack Wood was eagerly anticipating next season.
“I have a real belief in this group that we are forming and have a real trust in Kylee and the team to get the right people in place for us to continue to succeed and grow next year,” the 29-year-old Australian representative said.
“I’m eager to get in a full pre-season, which I haven’t been able to do in the past few years, and get myself into the best possible position for what is shaping into a really special year.”
Utility Mahalia Cassidy has also re-signed after impressing in her first season with Lightning.
“What I love about Lightning is that everyone is there to improve and win but also support each other along the way,” the 26-year-old ex-Firebird said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build on in the offseason and bring into 2022.”
Versatile defender Shimmin, 29, has signed on, after enjoying her maiden season with the club.
“Coming into Lightning with fresh eyes has been such a great learning experience for me and I really want to build on that next season,” the ex-Thunderbirds and Firebirds player said.
Goal shooter Koenen has re-committed. She has been at the club since its inception in 2017 and emerged as an Australian representative in 2021.
The 25-year-old scored 517 goals this year and was Lightning Players’ Player of the Year.
“Lightning holds such a special place in my heart and I’m glad to continue my time at the Sunshine Coast for the next two seasons,” she said.
“I’m really enjoying my netball at the moment and the challenge of drawing some of the best defenders each week.”
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Mid-courter McAullife, another foundation player, was offered a contract for next year but made the difficult decision to step away from netball.
“I’ve made one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” the 26-year-old said.
“I have chosen to appreciate the five years I’ve had at the club and move onto the next phase of my life.
“I feel so grateful for the past five years and the opportunities this club has presented me.”
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Meanwhile, goal shooter Proscovia and goal keeper Maweni have left the club after three seasons, in search of more opportunities.
Proscovia, 31, is the current Ugandan captain, and scored 670 goals for the Lightning.
South African representative Maweni, 37, proved a force at the back for the Sunshine Coast.
“We appreciate everything Peace and Phumi have sacrificed to relocate to the Sunshine Coast and become part of the Lightning family over the past three seasons – especially given the added impacts of living abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic,” coach Kylee Byrne said.
Sunshine Coast local Unie, 25, has not been offered a contract, after suffering a serious knee injury in March.
Byrne said the difficult decision needed to be made due to team balance.
“Ash has made such an incredible contribution to our club over the years, and we absolutely will wrap our arms around her and do what we can to help her with her future ambitions.”
“What she has contributed to our club and to our Lightning family of members and fans has been incredible, especially her dedication to her community work this season, while rehabilitating an ACL injury.
“We’re committed to working with Ash on her return to fitness and her career development, both in netball and her work as a physiotherapist.”
Clubs have until October 8 to announce their full squad of 10.
Lightning squad shake-up
Shooters: Cara Koenen, Steph Wood, Reilley Batcheldor (ex-Firebirds training partner).
Midcourters: Laura Scherian, Mahalia Cassidy, Annie Miller (ex-Giants training partner)
Defenders: Karla Pretorius, Kate Shimmin, Tara Hinchliffe* (ex-Firebirds player), Kadie-Ann Dehaney (ex-Vixens player)
Losses: Peace Proscovia (released), Phumza Maweni (released), Madeline McAuliffe (retired), Ashlee Unie (released).
*Not expected to play until mid-2022, after suffering an ACL injury last year.
