Lightning finalises 2018 squad by signing 17-year-old

Rising star Sarahpheinna Woulf will become the first athlete in Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) history to play in the competition while still at high school after Sunshine Coast Lightning elevated the training partner to the club’s full-time squad.

The 17-year-old has impressed Lightning coaches enough since joining the premiership-winning outfit in November to warrant a playing contract for the 2018 SSN season.

Originally a shooter, the Golden South Jaguars’ player is capable of slotting into most positions as the defending champion aims to become the first club to win consecutive SSN titles.

Bashful off-court, the teenager is a formidable force on it and her commanding presence is one of many attributes that have made her an appealing acquisition.

“Sarahpheinna is an emerging player who is still ‘green’ but has plenty of natural ability that enables her to read the game. Her level of maturity impresses me,” Lightning coach Noeline Taurua said.

“She can shoot, she can defend inside and out of the circle. She has a versatility that not many players have and that is a bonus for us depending on what we need in the squad.”

Now a professional netballer, Woulf said it was a surreal moment when Taurua informed her of her promotion.

“I could not speak and I just wanted to cry,” Woulf said.

“I was not expecting it at all. The coaches were telling me that I am ready and that I need to believe in myself.

“It is so exciting and I am extremely happy.”

With time on her side, it is hoped Woulf can become an integral figure in the foundation club’s future according to assistant coach Kylee Byrne.

“That is one of the reasons Lightning signed her. She can learn the club’s culture and how Lightning plays the game. There is no reason she cannot have a big impact for many years to come,” Byrne said.

“If you sign a player of this age, they must be the complete package and you must have confidence in their physical ability and mental toughness. We have already seen that and know Sarahpheinna will be able to handle whatever is thrown at her.

“She is given feedback and goes straight on court and implements it. She challenges herself to get out of her comfort zone and do exactly what is asked of her.”

To join the Lightning as a 2018 member, head here: http://bit.ly/2jkMmHl