Sunshine Coast Lightning has finalised its 2025 training squad with the signing of six training partners and three male squad members for the upcoming season.
Four 2024 training partners and two male squad members will return to the club, along with a much-loved familiar face and two new, exciting talents.
Maddie Hinchliffe, Shannon Eagland, Baylee Boyd and Jada Delaney will return in 2025, joined by Jordon Webb and Lachlan Carter who were the Club’s first official male squad members last season.
Natalie Sligar, who was a Lightning training partner in 2023 and played for Lightning’s SN Reserve side in 2024, returns to the Lightning squad for 2025.
Queensland talent, Rylee Burns comes from the Queensland Firebirds where she was a training partner last season, while also competing in the Firebirds Futures side within the SN Reserves competition.
Lightning also welcomes Sunshine Coast talent and Queensland Suns player, James Schmarr to the extended training side for 2025.
Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds spoke highly of both the new and returning players.
“It’s pleasing to retain four of our 2024 training partners and two of our male extended squad members. These diverse and talented athletes contributed significantly to our training environment in 2024 and I look forward to seeing what they can do in 2025,” she said.
“I’m thrilled to welcome back Nat Sligar as a training partner next season. While she’s been around the Club playing for Sunshine Coast Thunder and SN Reserves, it’s fantastic to have her back training alongside us.
“Rylee Burns is an incredibly exciting talent who joins us from the Firebirds SN Reserves team. She is a hard worker and has already seamlessly slotted into the Lightning environment.
“Our male squad members are essential to our training program, and local talent and Queensland representative, James Schmarr will be a welcomed addition to our Club.
“Each of these athletes bring something unique to our squad and I know they will challenge our daily training environment as well as complement our team if called upon this season.”
2025 Training Partners
Maddie Hinchliffe: C/WD
Shannon Eagland: GD/WD
Jada Delaney: GK/GD
Baylee Boyd: WA/C
Natalie Sligar: WA/GA
Rylee Burns: GA/WA
Jordon Webb: GA/WA
Lachlan Carter: GS
James Schmarr: GK/GD
