Sunshine Coast Lightning have squared away another young talent, re-signing Maddy McAuliffe on the eve of the club's third consecutive grand final appearance.
McAuliffe becomes the fifth Lightning foundation player to re-sign, with Karla Pretorius, Steph Wood, Cara Koenen and Laura Scherian already confirmed for the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season.
The 24-year-old wing defence enjoyed another standout season in 2019 under coach Noeline Taurua and is set to continue under new head coach Kylee Byrne, with whom she has a long history.
McAuliffe said she was keen to repay the Lightning's faith.
“I’m thrilled to sign with Lightning for the 2020 season and feel so privileged to be able to continue with a club that has provided me with so many opportunities,” she said.
“Signing on for 2020 feels even more special with Kylee stepping into her new role as head coach.
“Kylee has been involved in or responsible for every major moment in my netball career and I’m so glad I’m able to be a part of such a big moment in hers.”
Byrne said McAuliffe had a huge future at the Lightning.
“Having another Lightning foundation member continue with us is very special. She brings an energy to the team environment which is infectious and her contribution is enormous,” she said.
“Maddy has taken huge steps in her game in the past two years and now with next year locked in she is going to continue to match it with the world’s best centre courts.
“I am really excited to continue working with her and to see what she can produce, she has a huge future and I am glad she is here at our club.”
Defender Phumza Maweni also signed a new deal with this, while fellow defender Annika-Lee Jones and goaler Peace Proscovia remain in-contract, leaving Laura Langman and Jacqui Russell as the only Lightning players still unconstructed for 2020.
The Sunshine Coast Lightning will face the NSW Swifts on Sunday in the Suncorp Super Netball grand final at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 1pm AEST.
