Steph Fretwell Announces Retirement

Australian netball legend, and Sunshine Coast Lightning Captain, Steph Fretwell has today announced her retirement from elite netball.

Todays news brings to a close a celebrated professional career spanning over 11 years at the sport’s highest level.

After careful consideration of her future, Fretwell said she felt the timing was right to step away from the court and embrace a new phase in her life, one that will allow her to continue contributing to the sport she loves in new and meaningful ways.

“After a decade playing at the top level, I’m taking a step back from playing elite netball, feeling both content and beyond grateful for the opportunities netball has given me,” Fretwell said.

“I took the time to really think about my future and all the options in front of me and I just knew in my heart the timing was right. I’m ready to close this chapter as a player and step into new opportunities that will let me give back to the game in different ways, through mentoring, development and advocacy for the sport I love.

“Netball has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and while I’m sad it’s come to an end, I’m feeling excited for what’s ahead.”

Fretwell has been a cornerstone of Sunshine Coast Lightning since becoming the Club’s first-ever signing in 2016, captaining the side since 2022 and leading with fierce competitiveness, exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to the game. She leaves the court with a legacy of professionalism, resilience and deep connection to fans.

After two seasons with the NSW Swifts, nine seasons with Sunshine Coast Lightning, 157 elite games and two Premierships, Fretwell played her final Super Netball match in Round 14 against the Adelaide Thunderbirds, completing an incredible 11 seasons at the top level.

Known globally as one of the most dangerous goal attacks in the game, Fretwell made her Australian Diamonds debut in 2016. Across 56 international appearances, she secured gold in every major tournament, including the Commonwealth Games, Netball World Cup, and Constellation Cup, earning praise for her lethal accuracy, creative playmaking, and outstanding leadership. Her signature step-back shot remains one of the most iconic moves in world netball.

“Players like Steph don’t come around very often,” Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach, Belinda Reynolds said.

“She’s not only been a world-class athlete but an incredible leader and role model. We will miss her fierce competitiveness on court. Her impact will be felt across the Sunshine Coast, the country and the global netball community for years to come.”

Fretwell’s decorated career includes multiple Lightning Player of the Year awards, with her most recent win coming just last week for the 2025 season.

“Steph is an icon of the game and will forever be remembered as one of Lightning’s greatest,” Storm Group and Sunshine Coast Lightning CEO, Justin Rodski said.

“Her contribution on court, her leadership off it and her influence on the sport have been nothing short of extraordinary.”