Lightning bid farewell to Hinchliffe

Sunshine Coast Lightning has announced that Tara Hinchliffe has informed the Club she will be taking up an opportunity to play at another club for the 2026 season.

Hinchliffe, who has been a Lightning Vice Captain since 2022, signed with the Club in the same year after previously playing for the Queensland Firebirds.

The defender made her Australian Diamonds debut in 2023 but unfortunately suffered an ACL rupture shortly after which saw her miss the 2023 season.

During her four years at Lightning, Hinchliffe has remained a caring leader and a tenacious defender on court.

Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds said while she was disappointed to see Hinchliffe depart, she respected her decision.

“Tarzy has been an important part of our Club for the past four seasons and we’re sad to see her go,” she said.

“She’s an incredible athlete and one of the most caring teammates you’ll ever meet.

“It’s disappointing we won’t see her in the yellow dress next year but we completely respect her decision to take on this new opportunity and look forward to seeing what she can achieve in the years to come.”

2026 Sunshine Coast Lightning Squad:
• Cara Koenen
• Liz Watson
• Courtney Bruce
• Ashleigh Ervin
• Leesa Mi Mi
• Mahalia Cassidy