Sunshine Coast Lightning has announced 12 players and five training partners as part of its “Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts” team that will compete in the Australian Netball Championships (ANC) in August.
2023 Lightning players Charlie Bell and Ash Ervin join the squad on the back of their rookie Suncorp Super Netball seasons and will be joined by fellow Lightning training partners Ava Black and Natalie Sligar.
A familiar face will return to the Lightning environment in Maddie Hinchliffe, after recently returning from Melbourne where she played for the Collingwood Magpies in the 2023 SSN season.
Goal Shooter Anika Lee-Jones and defender Lily McClure return after playing in the Lightning ANC side in 2022.
New faces include Sunshine Coast Thunder players Baylee Boyd, Jada Delaney and Brianna Martyn, TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets player Lenora Misa and 2023 Collingwood Magpies shooter, Kelly Singleton.
Sunshine Coast Lightning Assistant Coach, Jenny Brazel will lead the side, supported by Sunshine Coast Thunder Head Coach, Simone Nalatu.
Brazel said she’s looking forward to seeing what the dynamic group can do.
“This team brings a mix of experience, youth and enthusiasm. Our shooting end is well-covered with two mobile talls in Charlie and Annika, along with Nat and Kelly who bring a lot of speed. The mid-court has the experience of Maddie and Ava, coupled with the two young speedsters Baylee and Brianna – giving us numerous combinations,” she said.
“Our defenders are an exciting and very dynamic group, with Ash, Jada, Lily and Nora completing the team.
“ANC is a tough tournament, but there’s an excitement within the group heading into this competition. Simone and I feel the possibilities are endless, and we’re looking forward to working hard and showcasing what the team can do.”
ANC will take place from August 21 to 27 at Morayfield Sports and Events Centre in Brisbane’s north, with all games available to watch live, on-demand and free via Kayo Freebies.
2023 Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts
Charlie Bell
Ava Black
Baylee Boyd
Jada Delaney
Ashleigh Ervin
Maddie Hinchliffe
Annika Lee-Jones
Brianna Martyn
Lily McClure
Lenora Misa
Kelly Singleton
Natalie Sligar
Emma Walters (Training Partner)
Ellie Brice (Training Partner)
Che’ Revill (Training Partner)
Rianah Childs (Training Partner)
Kaylin Van Greunen (Training Partner)
