Sunshine Coast Lightning Vice Captain Steph Wood will continue to lead the Club’s attack end in 2022, officially re-signing with the Club this week.
The 29-year-old’s incredible smarts and long range shooting accuracy will remain a feature of Lightning’s competitive game, working in conjunction with fellow Origin Diamond Cara Koenen.
The foundation player has been a core member of Lightning since the Club’s inception in 2017, and was rewarded with Vice Captaincy duties ahead of the 2021 season.
Wood attracted strong praise from Head Coach Kylee Byrne, who believes the current shooting partnership can excel against any defensive combination in the league.
“Steph is one of a kind, her smarts and knowledge of the game not only impact her own output but also help educate and develop the players around her,” Byrne said.
“While she’s always been the type of person to keep herself and her teammates accountable and lean into those hard but necessary conversations, I’ve watched her really step up as an official leader this season.
“I’ll be eagerly watching how Steph and Cara combine on the international stage with Diamond duties and am excited to see the positive flow-on effect to our Lightning pre-season.”
Wood said she is excited for the prospect of the 2022 season and what Lightning can achieve.
“As a group we’re really competitive and we don’t like to lose, so I have no doubt everyone will turn up on day 1 of pre-season ready to give it their all,” Wood said.
“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.
“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.”
Wood contributed with over 209 goals, 218 goal assists and 249 centre pass receives in 2021.
