A Sunshine Coast Lightning foundation player has parted ways with the club after a decade that included two premiership-winning campaigns.
Australian representative Cara Koenen, Lightning player No. 6, had been with the club since its inaugural title-winning season in 2017 but will pursue other opportunities in 2027. She is the last player from the original group to depart.
Landing on the Sunshine Coast as a 20-year-old from Magnetic Island, Koenen has played 125 Super Netball games for the Lightning, becoming one of the premier goaler’s in world netball.
She helped the team win back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
She won club Player of the Year in 2025, alongside Steph Fretwell, and was awarded Players’ Player in 2021 and the Members’ Player Award in 2020 and 2021, recognising her high performance and strong connection with supporters.
In 2019, Koenen was also honoured with the Community Champion Award for her active role modelling and engagement through regional netball clinics and local community programs adding to a resume that includes over 50 caps for the Australian Diamonds.
Koenen said she was grateful for her time at the club.
“To the team, fans, members and the Sunshine Coast community who have always shown up with unwavering support (regardless of wins or losses), I cannot thank you enough,” she said.
“I arrived on the Coast with so much to learn, simply wanting to make the most of whatever opportunity came my way.
“Ten seasons in yellow and more than 100 games later, I feel incredibly lucky to have made memories I’ll cherish forever with some truly inspiring people.
“It’s been an amazing ride. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for those who have been in my corner along the way.”
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Lightning chief executive Justin Pascoe thanked Koenen for everything she had done for the club and the Sunshine Coast community.
“For the past 10 seasons, Cara has proudly worn the Sunshine Coast Lightning dress with enormous passion, humility and professionalism,” he said.
“To play more than 100 games for one club, represent Australia, win premierships and become one of the most respected goalers in world netball is an extraordinary achievement.
“We are incredibly honoured that Cara chose to call the Sunshine Coast Lightning home for the past decade.
“She has helped shape the identity and culture of this club from its earliest years and has inspired countless young athletes across our region to dream big and believe they too can achieve great things.
“She leaves having made an extraordinary contribution to the Sunshine Coast Lightning, and she will forever be remembered as one of the greats of our club.”
Lightning head coach Belinda Reynolds said Koenen was an inspiration during her decorated time on the Sunshine Coast.
“Cara has been an inspirational team member for this club since its inception,” she said.
“We will miss our number 6, but we’re incredibly grateful for everything she has given this club and wish her all the very best for the next chapter.”
There have been several moves at the Lighting this month.
Mahalia Cassidy, No. 20, called time on an 11-season professional netball career, bringing an end to a journey that included 125 national league games.
Cassidy joined the Lightning in 2021 after beginning her career with the Queensland Firebirds.
An ANZ Championship winner in 2015 and 2016, Cassidy’s versatility, game IQ and tenacity made her a formidable midcourter.
She thanked those who helped her during her netball journey.
“It takes a really special support team to have such a long career and I’m thankful to the people who have been in my corner, every step of the way,” she said.
The coach said Cassidy’s reliability had made her an integral part of the Lightning squad.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Harls over the past four seasons, and what has stood out to me most is her consistency,” she said.
“Harls leaves having made a significant impact at Sunshine Coast Lightning both on and off the court and a career she should be incredibly proud of.”
Meanwhile, Reynolds has committed to the club by extending her time at UniSC Arena until the end of 2027.
Diamonds and Lightning captain Liz Watson will remain at the club until the end of the 2028 season. So will Courtney Bruce, Ava Black and Maggie Caris.
Karin Burger has re-signed until the end of 2027, as has Leesa Mi Mi and Donnell Wallam.
Olivia Wilkinson will join the team for the next two seasons and New Zealander goaler Georgia Heffernan has signed until the end of 2028, while former West Coast captain Jess Anstiss has joined for 2027.
Shooter Gabby Sinclair has announced her retirement from professional netball. Defender Ash Ervin will pursue other opportunities in season 2027.
