Superstar mid-courter Liz Watson has been announced the 2024 Most Valuable Player at Sunshine Coast Lightning’s annual A Night with Lightning gala event.
Lightning’s esteemed MVP award is the highest honour of the night, and is awarded based on a three-two-one points system by Head Coach Belinda Reynolds and Assistant Coach Jenny Brazel throughout the regular season.
After making the move to the Sunshine Coast from the Melbourne Vixens — where she was four-time MVP — Watson has had an outstanding season, putting out consistent performances each week, and leading the stats across the league for goal assists and centre pass receives.
Belinda Reynolds spoke highly of Watson and the impact she’s had on Lightning this season.
“Liz is an incredible athlete who played consistently well all season with her dynamic attacking movement and relentless defence. She’s a competitive player with an amazing work ethic, and will always put her body on the line in every contest,” she said.
“What Liz has been able to bring to our training environment has been invaluable. She brings a level of competitiveness but also a calmness, which is reflected in the way she has led on and off the court.
“I am thrilled Liz has received MVP, and she should feel proud of the way she’s settled into our Club, built strong relationships and positively impacted team performance.”
Sharpshooter and 2023 MVP award-winner, Steph Fretwell received MVP runners-up and took out Players’ Player of the Year for the second year in succession — voted by the players based on the teammate who consistently lives and breathes the team values.
Fan-favourite Ashleigh Ervin received Members’ Player of the Year while Team Spirit was awarded to Leesa Mi Mi, and Tara Hinchliffe was crowned Community Champion for the second year in a row.
Off the court, Membership & Ticketing Manager, Maddy Cook was awarded Club Person of the Year for her outstanding contribution to the Club in 2024 — notably her involvement in Lightning’s all-time Membership record achievement.
Additionally, Lightning volunteer Emory Arthur was awarded Volunteer of the Year due to his passion and enthusiasm on Game Days, regularly greeting fans with a high-five and a smile.
Sunshine Coast Lightning 2024 Award Winners:
- Most Valuable Player: Liz Watson
- Players’ Player of the Year: Steph Fretwell
- Members’ Player of the Year: Ashleigh Ervin
- Team Spirit Award: Leesa Mi Mi
- Community Champion: Tara Hinchliffe
- Club Person of the Year: Maddy Cook
- Volunteer of the Year: Emory Arthur
