Sunshine Coast Lightning is investing in local Queensland talent, with the signing of Reilley Batcheldor.
The talented shooter is a current member of the Australian 21 and Under squad, as well as recently impressing as part of the Queensland Sapphires contingent in the Born to Shine mini-series.
The emerging Goal Attack / Goal Shooter is known for her long range shooting and a penchant for delivering under pressure in big games.
Head Coach Kylee Byrne said she was excited for the young shooter to join Lightning and begin an apprenticeship under Diamond representatives Steph Wood and Cara Koenen.
“I feel privileged to offer Reilley a senior contract after working closely with her in recent years and witnessing the time and effort she has put in to improve her game and level of professionalism,” Byrne said.
“Reilley is immensely talented and I look forward to seeing her take on this next challenge within our Lightning environment.
“The opportunity to harness and develop the next generation of Australian and Queensland netballers is incredibly appealing given the current spread of talent and also allows us to invest in our future.”
Batcheldor was thankful to receive her first full time netball contract and said she would leave no stone unturned as she works to develop her skills.
“I couldn’t stop smiling after my phone call with Kylee and it’s such an honour to join a team like Lightning,” Batcheldor said.
“I can’t wait to work with Steph and Cara and the entire team and really focus on improving my netball.
“This is an opportunity I’ve been working hard for, for a number of years and now is the time to work hard and listen and learn and soak up all the information I can.”
Batcheldor’s signing sees the finalisation of Lightning’s 2022 shooting circle, with the Gold Coast product rounding out the list alongside Wood and Koenen.
Before signing with Lightning, Batcheldor was promoted to the Queensland Firebirds Training Partner program in 2021, as well as featuring for QUT Netball in the state-level Sapphire series.
