Lightning celebrates students, signings and sporting leaders
Sunshine Coast Lightning continues to make an impact both on and off the court, from inspiring the next generation of netballers through the Unitywater Lightning Cup, to strengthening its 2027 playing roster and bringing together some of Australia's most accomplished sportswomen for a special leadership event.
Young netballers take centre court at Lightning Cup
More than 1,000 primary school students from across the region gathered at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex on Friday 21 August 2026 to compete in the Unitywater Lightning Cup, an all-day netball carnival hosted by Unitywater and Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Now in its fifth year, the event also featured a strike zone with food trucks, games, mascots, prizes and appearances from Sunshine Coast Lightning players.
Sunshine Coast Lightning line-up announcements
In preparation for the 2027 season and beyond, Sunshine Coast Lightning has announced several coaching and player signings.
Head coach Belinda Reynolds has recommitted to the club until the end of 2027.
Ms Reynolds said she felt very privileged to have coached the team for the last four seasons and appreciated the opportunity to lead this great group until the end of the 2027 season.
“The Sunshine Coast has been incredible to me and my family since we made the move from Perth. There are many opportunities ahead of us and I’m grateful to be able to be part of that,” Ms Reynolds said.
“Our playing group is motivated to bring success back to the Sunshine Coast and I’m just as excited to see what we can achieve next season, as when I first arrived.”
Off-court supporting appointments
- Madison Browne, former Diamond joins Lightning as Assistant Coach
- Laura Langman, Sunshine Coast Lightning player #3 is returning to the fold in a mentoring role for season 2027.
Lightning line-up - new and familiar faces
Diamonds and Sunshine Coast Lightning Captain Liz Watson will continue to grow her world-class resume to the end of the 2028 season. Watson believes that the club has unfinished business and is eager for the new season to get underway.
“Bringing success back to the Coast is something at the forefront of my mind and I’m excited to be here for another two seasons," Ms Watson said.
“The Sunshine Coast has been so good to me since I arrived, and I want to be able to give back to our fans and members, with another successful Lightning era.”
The club has re-signed Ava Black, Leesa Mi Mi, Courtney Bruce, Donnell Wallam and Karin Burger, and secured several key signings for upcoming seasons.
- Olivia Wilkinson joins the club on a two-year deal through to 2028.
- New Zealand goaler Georgia Heffernan has signed until the end of 2028 and will make her Super Netball debut with Lightning.
- Maggie Caris has signed through to the end of 2028.
- Jess Anstiss joins the club until the end of 2027.
Moving on from Lightning
Players departing the club ahead of the 2027 season:
- Sunshine Coast Lightning player #20, Mahalia Cassidy has announced her retirement from professional netball.
- Sunshine Coast Lightning shooter, Gabby Sinclair has announced her retirement from professional netball.
- Inaugural Sunshine Coast Lightning goaler, Cara Koenen and the club have made the decision that she will pursue other opportunities in season 2027.
Council is a proud foundation partner alongside UniSC. Established as a start-up team in partnership with the University of Sunshine Coast in 2016, Lightning has become one of the most successful sporting teams in the country.
The team has developed a strong local presence and connection with the Sunshine Coast region and is one of the most recognised elite women’s teams in Australia.
Three champions. One stage. A lifetime of lessons.
Tickets are now on sale for Women Making Waves, an event featuring three of Australia's leading sporting figures. Olympic champion Cate Campbell OAM, Australian Diamonds captain Liz Watson and Australian Jillaroos captain Ali Brigginshaw will share insights on leadership, resilience and high-performance sport.
Event Details
Date: Friday 11 September 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Alex Surf Club
Cate Campbell OAM - Four-time Olympic Gold Medallist, eight-time Olympic medallist and former world record holder.
Liz Watson - Captain of the Australian Diamonds and Sunshine Coast Lightning. Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup Gold Medallist.
Ali Brigginshaw - Captain of Australia, Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos. Dally M Medallist and four-time NRLW Premiership-winning Captain.