Netball Super League | Panagarry aiming for history with new-look Lightning

Nat Panagarry and Ella Clark holding the Netball Super League trophy

Loughborough Lightning captain Nat Panagarry revealed that a shot at history is motivating her side to chase back-to-back Netball Super League titles.

The 33-year-old powered Lightning to an emotional second crown in three years last June as they overcame London Pulse 57-48 in the Grand Final.

And the two-time Super League champion believes a much-changed squad have what it takes to repeat the feat in 2024 despite the loss of star defender Fran Williams to Australia.

“It would be history for the club if we can go back to back,” said Panagarry.

“I said this time last year it would have been incredible to lift that trophy, just playing netball was the most important thing, playing well as the cherry on top so to win it was smelting that was so special.

“The first time lifting that trophy was incredible but that second time was something else.

“We know this season will be one of the hardest years to win it, a lot of the teams have recruited really well and really stepped up and that is what I am most excited about for the Super League and for the fans.

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“Change is something we said we need to lean into and not be afraid of. We had three or four years where it was pretty much the same 12 or 15 and we knew each other inside out.

“Actually it was quite scary for us that had been here a while but it has been really good and challenging for us as older players, that’s what need, it can’t be the same every year and it is actually quite refreshing.”

Panagarry shone last season, with the midcourter revelling in the lack of her own expectations after wife Katie was diagnosed with cancer.

That new relaxed attitude is something the England international is keen to hone again this term, as well as revelling in the return of fellow Roses Ella Clark and Beth Cobden from long-term injury, who have also benefitted from the champions’ tight-knit culture off court.

She added: “I was definitely more relaxed last season and I want to take that into this year. Being relaxed with my game, wanting to play well but also being kinder to myself.

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“That is something I have been working on as I have got a little bit older. Last season was the first time I actually did that and took the weight off it and leant into the girls and the coaches.

“It is something that Lightning have worked really hard on that we are actually friends off then court, we want to see each other and do things.

“We talk all the time and that support network is there for everyone, anyone that comes into the team I want them to feel that.

“They know they have the support, whatever they need and that they are more than a netballer, they are a person and then they are a player.”

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