Super Netball 2023: Belinda Reynolds named Sunshine Coast Lightning coach with Dame Noeline’s approval

A foundation Sunshine Coast coach and Silver Ferns legend has helped anoint the Lightning’s new Super Netball mentor after being part of the selection panel.

She may have plotted the downfall of the Diamonds on Wednesday night but Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has delivered some joy to Australian Super Netball fans after anointing Belinda Reynolds as the Sunshine Coast Lightning’s next head coach.

Reynolds, who has been an assistant at West Coast Fever for the past five years, helping the club to three grand finals and a Super Netball premiership, will take over at the Lightning for at least the next two years.

Taurua, the Lightning’s foundation coach, who helped the club to back-to-back premierships before taking over the reins of the Silver Ferns and leading them to a 2019 World Cup win, was a specialist consultant on the panel to decide the next Lightning coach.

Lightning chief executive Danielle Smith, Lightning and (club owner) Melbourne Storm senior leadership staff and Taurua conducted interviews with candidates.

Stacey Marinkovich, head coach of the Fever talks to assistant coach, Belinda Reynolds (left) during a Super Netball clash when the pair coached together.

And Reynolds, a former Perth Orioles player who spent four years as assistant to current Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich at the Fever, was particularly impressive.

“Belinda gave an excellent presentation that clearly demonstrated her strategic vision for

Lightning and critical success factors based on performance, connection, and character,” Taurua said.

“She demonstrated a sound knowledge on planning, coaching and training/game environments,

and has vast hands-on experience at SSN level.

“From my knowledge and experience at Lightning, I felt that she would be an ideal fit for the

team, club and community.”

Reynolds said she was grateful to be given the “privilege” to coach the Lightning.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with the talented Lightning players

and look forward to working alongside the wider performance team,” she said.

“Sunshine Coast Lightning is a proud and successful club, who in partnership with the Storm

Group, hold values that I feel inspired and connected to.

Silver Ferns coach and foundation Lightning mentor Dame Noeline Taurua was on the penal that helped choose Reynolds. Photo: Getty Images

“My family and I are looking forward to moving to the wonderful Sunshine Coast and sharing

the journey with the loyal and passionate Lightning members and fans.”

Smith said Reynolds was an excellent fit for the club.

“She brings fantastic leadership qualities with a passionate and ambitious desire to succeed both on and off the court,” she said.

Reynolds will initially work remotely from Western Australia before making the move to Queensland in the coming weeks and finalising the playing squad including training partners and a temporary replacement player for the injured Reilley Batcheldor and appointing her assistant coaches.

She replaces Kylee Byrne, who stepped down at the end of last season after the Lightning missed the finals for the first time.