Sunshine Coast Lightning has announced the signing of NSW junior, Natalie Sligar to join the Club as a Training Partner for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season.
The young shooter, who has made her way through the Netball NSW pathways and was recently announced as part of GIANTS Netball academy, has been elevated after Martina Reekers withdrew from the squad due to personal reasons.
Reekers is a valued and appreciated member of the Lightning family, playing for USC Thunder and Lightning’s ANC team last year. She will be missed at the Club.
Lightning Assistant Coach Jenny Brazel, who coached Sligar last year when she played for USC Thunder, said the 20-year-old was an exciting player who would easily fit into the Lightning environment.
“When Nat played for Thunder last year for a short period of time, she had this ability to slip into our attacking line seamlessly. We were so impressed with her adaptability, her reliability and the way she embraced our culture,” she said.
Sligar can play both shooting roles in Goal Attack and Goal Shooter, but can also take on the role of Wing Attack.
“Nat gives us great versatility in both shooting roles as well as the option to come out into WA. As she’s previously been a Training Partner for GIANTS Netball, she understands what is needed within a high-performing SSN team environment,” Brazel said.
When asked about why Sligar was awarded a Training Partner contract with Lightning, Brazel said she possess all the traits required of a young player.
“She contributes so much to the team both on and off the court. Her coach-ability, playing versatility, her hard work ethos and her positive attitude. All these attributes are so important and it’s fantastic we’re able to reward her with a Training Partner contract,” she said.
“Nat is highly motivated and very keen to add value to the team so it is definitely a win-win for both Nat and Lightning to have her in our environment.”
