England Roses centre Nat Panagarry returns for fourth year with Loughborough Lightning
Friday 21 September 2018 12:40, UK
After a trio of high-profile exits, Loughborough have confirmed that captain Nat Panagarry is the first name on the Lightning roster for Sara Bayman's first season in charge.
The 2017 and 2018 runners-up have been one of the quietest franchises during the off-season so far but have now revealed the first of the names for 2019 and it's all-action mid-courter Panagarry who will again captain the team.
The 27-year-old is currently with England in Australia for the Quad Series and she will lead Loughborough's bid to end a their losing run in Grand Finals.
"I'm really excited to sign for Lightning for a fourth season. I feel like as a club we still have unfinished business within the league and that excites me," Panagarry said.
"Lightning have an unbelievable set up for us as athletes and the club is always pushing to be better and grow. I think you can really see how far the team has come in the last two Superleague seasons.
"With Sara Bayman now taking the role as head coach, she's going to bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the club. Plus, combining with Assistant Coach Liv Murphy, I can't wait to see their dynamic together."
While Panagarry is the first name to be confirmed it has still been a busy period for the franchise with Bayman replacing Anna Carter as head coach and three superstar players - Shamera Sterling, Peace Proscovia and Beth Cobden all departing to play their netball in Australia next year.
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"I know having three fantastic players leave to Suncorp feels like a huge loss, but I'm so excited for the girls and it is credit to their hard work and the club's for being able to push these players into the Australian League," Panagarry added.
"Now we look forward to the 2019 season and the new faces that it brings. I cannot wait to see the Lightning fans in the New Year and get the season underway."
Lightning have confirmed that more announcements are to follow next week as Bayman, who spoke to Sky Sports earlier this summer, finalises plans for her debut coaching season.
"It's fantastic to secure the return of Nat to Loughborough Lightning," said Bayman.
"As a driving force in the mid court and as a leader, Nat brings experience and passion to the team. I can't wait to start working with her and build this group around a fantastic core."
Stick with us through the off-season as we reflect on the campaign, track the England internationals and the latest player movements ahead of a huge 2019 which will feature another thrilling Superleague season and the Netball World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Quad Series concludes on Sunday morning when England take on South Africa on Sky Sports Arena and Mix from 2am, followed by Australia's clash with New Zealand at 4am.
