In August 2016, Sunshine Coast Lightning was officially launched. The team was formed as a joint venture by Melbourne Storm and the University of the Sunshine Coast with the support of Sunshine Coast Council. The colours of the team - navy blue, purple and yellow - are the same as the Storm's. The logo features a bolt of lightning.[1][2][3][8][9][10]
Before the official launch of Sunshine Coast Lightning, Noeline Taurua had already been announced as the inaugural head coach of the new franchise. [9][11][12] In September 2016, Caitlin Bassett and Stephanie Wood became the first two Lightning players.[2][13][14][15]Geva Mentor also subsequently signed for Lightning.[16][17] In February 2017, Mentor was named captain of the new franchise.[18][19] In 2017, Lightning finished the season as inaugural champions after defeating Giants Netball 65–48 in the grand final.[1][2][20][21][22] In 2018 they retained the title after defeating West Coast Fever 62–59 in the grand final.[1][2][23][24][25] In 2019, Lightning finished the regular season as minor premiers. [1][2][26][27] They also played in their third successive grand final but this time, they were defeated by New South Wales Swifts.[28][29] After three seasons as head coach at Lightning, Taurua resigned and was replaced by her assistant at the club, Kylee Byrne.[30][31][32][33]
.jpg)
