Duo awarded Player of the Year

For the second time in Sunshine Coast Lightning history, two players have been crowned Sunshine Coast Lightning Player of the Year at the annual A Night with Lightning awards night.

Lightning Captain Steph Fretwell and teammate Cara Koenen both received the honourable award, accumulating the same number of votes from the 2025 season at the conclusion of Round 14.

Just the second time in Sunshine Coast Lightning history for joint winners for Player of the Year, Fretwell wins her fourth and Koenen wins her first accolade.

A formidable combination on the court, Fretwell and Koenen have played in the goal circle together since Lightning’s inception, seeing them thrive on not only the Suncorp Super Netball court, but on the international stage with the Australian Diamonds.

During the 2025 Season, while their combination never faltered, their individual strengths stood strong – stepping up when the team needed them and delivering impressive performances that caught the attention of the voting panel.

Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach, Belinda Reynolds congratulated the two players for their stand-out seasons and deserving award.

“I am incredibly proud of both Steph and Cara for their performances this season,” she said.

“Steph is one of the smartest players in the game, her playmaking outside the circle and accuracy to goal is undeniable. She’s also an inspiring leader who shows great courage and consistently delivers in big moments.

“Cara’s timing, strength and athleticism is her point of difference and we’ve seen her develop her game further each and every season.

“While individually both players have shone this year, they have such a strong connection on and off the court, and it’s a special moment they’re able to receive this award together.”

The last time there was a joint winner was in 2018 when Fretwell also won the prestigious award.

Vice Captain Tara Hinchliffe was awarded the prestigious Players’ Player Award — voted by the players based on the teammate who consistently lives and breathes the team values. Adding another trophy to the cabinet, Hinchliffe also took home the Team Spirit Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to the positive culture and spirit of the team.

Lightning Members selected dominant midcourter Mahalia Cassidy to receive the Members’ Player Award, while Leesa Mi Mi was crowned the Unitywater Community Champion.

Off the court, Netball Operations Manager, Amy McDonald was awarded Club Person of the Year for her outstanding contribution to the Club and passion for Sunshine Coast Lightning and its athletes, going above and beyond to support the players and staff.

Additionally, Lightning volunteer Jane Batzloff was awarded Volunteer of the Year due to her professional, enthusiastic and caring approach she takes to all Lightning game days, working in her role as Corporate Ticketing Assistant and always willing to help out where required.

Sunshine Coast Lightning 2025 Award Winners:
• Player of the Year: Cara Koenen & Steph Fretwell
• Players’ Player of the Year: Tara Hinchliffe
• Members’ Player of the Year: Mahalia Cassidy
• Team Spirit Award: Tara Hinchliffe
• Community Champion: Leesa Mi Mi
• Club Person of the Year: Amy McDonald
• Volunteer of the Year: Jane Batzloff