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Team Guide: Loughborough Lightning
Reigning champions Loughborough Lightning are eyeing an unprecedented third consecutive Netball Super League title in 2025.
Lightning defended their title in emphatic fashion, beating Manchester Thunder 70-54 in the 2024 Grand Final but have a number of fresh faces ahead of the new campaign.
Expectations are always high in Loughborough, and few would count against them in knockout netball should they finish in the top four.
Head Coach
Vic Burgess continues at the Lightning helm after two Super League titles in the last two seasons.
The north east native boasts an enviable record as a Super League head coach, and has built a supreme coaching team with Olivia Murphy and Lauren Nicholls.
Captain
Nat Panagarry is the beating heart of Loughborough Lightning, and will continue to call the shots on court.
The centre consistently delivers high-energy and all-action performances and will hope to once again get her hands on the Super League trophy.
Star Player
Beth Cobden proved why she is one of the very best wing defences around last season, and will be key to Lightning’s title hopes once again this time around.
Cobden was back to her very best in 2024 after a string of injuries, and will continue to be a nightmare for wing attacks after a successful international season.
One To Watch
Berri Neil’s move from London Pulse to Loughborough Lightning was one of the most high-profile switches ahead of the 2025 season, and she will want to prove it was the right decision.
The graceful goal attack replaces Rhea Dixon at Lightning, and will look to orchestrate proceedings in the circle.
New Name
Samantha Wallace-Joseph has big shoes to fill at Loughborough Lightning, but there are few players as suited to doing exactly that.
Wallace-Joseph comes in at goal shooter to replace last season’s league top scorer Mary Cholhok, but the Trinidad & Tobago international arrives as one of the game’s finest under the post.
Venues
Lightning will split their home matches across two venues for the 2025 season.
The Sir David Wallace Arena will host the majority of their games, while Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena will host their arena matches.
First home game
Lightning kick off their season with a trip to Manchester Thunder, before returning home to face London Pulse on 22 March.
