Netball Super League | Defending champions Lightning announce first set of players for 2024 campaign

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 11: Rhea Dixon of Loughborough Lightning in action during the Netball Super League 2023 Grand Final match between Loughborough Lightning and London Pulse at Copper Box Arena on June 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)

Netball Super League (NSL) 2023 champions, Loughborough Lightning, have today started to unveil their 2024 squad, as they look to defend their title.

Starting with their shooters, Vic Burgess has re-signed two Lightning players: Mary Cholhok and Rhea Dixon.

The NSL will see the return of Ella Clark in 2024 who was Assistant Coach during the side’s 2023 championship success, after missing last season due to injury.

Lightning also welcome Scottish international Niamh McCall, who makes the move from Strathclyde Sirens to complete the shooting quartet.

Mary Cholhok

One of the most well-known faces in netball returns for a sixth season in purple. Last year’s Gilbert Top Scorer (who also won the accolade in 2021 and 2019), topped the shooting table with a huge 808 goals for her side. Mary was also named in the All-Star VII 2023.

After an extremely successful campaign with Lightning in the 2023 season, Cholhok went on to represent Uganda at her second Netball World Cup.

“It’s always a pleasure to wear the purple dress. I can’t wait for the fun and good times ahead of the season with a team full of hard-working individuals”

Goal number 800 for @marynubas2 🎯

The @LboroLightning shooter has added another 50+ goals to her tally this evening to stretch her advantage at the top of the @GilbertNetball Top Scorer leaderboard 📊#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/6a3hE6HmE3

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 2, 2023

Rhea Dixon

The queen of the layup Mary Cholhok, will be rejoined by Rhea Dixon in the circle, who re-signs for her second season at the East Midlands outfit. Dixon was impactful for the championship winning side last season and won Lightning’s Most Improved Player at their end of season awards.

Looking ahead to next season Dixon said: “I couldn’t be more excited and ready to get the 2024 season started with Lightning. The growth shown both individually and as a group was massive for us, and I really believe we have even more to give. Bring it on!”

Start of the 2023 season: a wake-up call ⏰

End of the 2023 season: an NSL winner 🏆@RheaDixon‘s first year at @LboroLightning was a learning curve

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 15, 2023

Ella Clark

Part of Lightning’s 2021 NSL winning side and 2022 Fnal line-up, Ella Clark was out with injury during the 2023 season. But this hasn’t stopped her from being involved, playing a key role for Lightning as an Assistant Coach in their 2023 NSL title win. Ella now returns to the court as a player for the upcoming season.

“I’m excited to be back on court with the team and in the purple dress ready to defend our title”

Niamh McCall

Affectionately known as the queen of the long bombs, Niamh McCall has been a shooting sensation for both Strathclyde Sirens and the Scottish national team. She makes the journey south for the upcoming season as she signs for Loughborough Lightning for the first time, completing their shooting line-up for the 2024 season.

No time for messing about ⏰

Niamh McCall taking this shot beautifully from distance whilst looking comfortable doing so 🫶#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/2eubMhKt94

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 1, 2023

You can keep up to date with all the 2024 squads and signings here.

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