One of the region’s most accomplished coaches is preparing to close a significant chapter in a career spanning more than two decades.
Sunshine Coast Lightning assistant coach Jenny Brazel will retire at the end of the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season after helping shape players across the club, SN Reserves and Sunshine Coast Thunder programs.
A four-time Queensland Netball Coach of the Year, Brazel joined the Lightning in 2023 and brought with her extensive experience from elite and pathway programs, including the Queensland Firebirds and the Fijian Pearls national team.
“It is with mixed emotions, that I officially announce my retirement as the Sunshine Coast Lightning assistant coach,” Brazel said.
“I am incredibly grateful to (head coach) Belinda and our high-performance staff for the trust they have placed in me.
“To our entire Lightning playing group, words cannot express how special you are and how much love and appreciation I have for you all.
“Whilst I am stepping away and looking forward to focusing on family, enjoying travel and extra time with my partner David, I will continue my mentoring roles and specialist coaching.
“I would also like to thank to our amazing fans and the entire netball community for all the unwavering support.”
Lightning head coach Belinda Reynolds said Brazel’s dedication to the program across the last four seasons had been second to none.
“Jeno has been an incredible contributor to our program since joining us in 2023, she has a wealth of tactical and technical knowledge and has developed so many of players over this time,” she said.
“Her ability to form strong connections with people across the club, from players to staff, is what has made her such an outstanding coach for such a long period of time.
“I can’t wait to see what is in store for her next.”
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Lightning CEO Justin Pascoe thanked Brazel for her contributions to the club both on and off the court.
“Jenny has put in an incredible amount of work for this program across the last four seasons,” he said.
“On behalf of everyone at the Lightning we’d thank to thank her for her service to the club.
“We wish her all the best on her next chapter.”
The Lightning will now begin its recruitment process for an assistant coach for the 2027 Suncorp Super Netball season.
