Lightning captain Panagarry returns

LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning has confirmed the return of captain and England Roses star, Nat Panagarry, for the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL).

The 2019 Netball World Cup bronze medallist will return to the side for her sixth consecutive season in the purple dress having led the side to consecutive Grand Finals in 2017 and 2018 and victory in the 2017 British Fast5 competition.

She said: “I can’t believe this is going to be my sixth season at Lightning. I feel really confident and comfortable here and I’m thankful to the University for all the experiences that I’ve had.”

Panagarry will be looking forward to an injury-free campaign after seeing last season disrupted by a foot injury prior to the covid-19 outbreak: “Last season was definitely a whirlwind and not the ideal situation I wanted to be in. I was really gutted that in the first five minutes of the opening game to get a fracture in my foot. It wasn’t the plan I wanted and then for the covid-19 outbreak to happen and the season end was certainly disappointing.

“My aim this season is to stay fit - I’m done with injuries. I’m always so thankful for the coaches because they always push us to better our game no matter what age you are.

“I think for the team the target is to always push for that top-four spot, but to get in that final after the year that everyone’s had would be incredible.”

Head Coach Sara Bayman is pleased to see Panagarry return to the side.

“It’s fantastic to have Nat back for another season. It’s important for us to maintain a strong core of players and Nat’s experience and leadership is crucial to us as a team.”

Panagarry joins Lightning’s starstudded roster for 2021 with the likes of Ugandan shooting sensation Mary Cholhok already revealed. See page 51 for more details.