Sunshine Girl defensive player Kadie-Ann Dehaney has signed with the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the 2022 season of the Suncorp Super League after spending the last four seasons with the Melbourne Vixens.

During her time with the Vixens, Dehaney established herself playing the positions of goal keeper or goal defence and will join Kate Shimmin and Tara Hinchliffe as defenders locked in for next season.

“What’s really impressed me this season is Kadie-Ann’s ability to show her worth every time she steps out on court and as a coaching team we’re excited to harness and develop that within the Lightning environment,” said Lightning Head Coach Kylee Byrne, who was impressed by the 25-year-old defensive player’s agility and athleticism but also believes that she has so much more room for improvement

“She’s become an in-demand defender this player signings season and we are thrilled to have her sign with Lightning and I can’t wait to see how she integrates with and complements our defensive lineup.”

For her part, Dehaney said she is eagerly anticipating the new challenge.

“I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to join this Lightning group, because I think it will give me more of an opportunity to grow my game,” she said.

“Looking from the outside in, the group seems to have a really strong bond on and off the court, and being an international, that environment is something that really appeals to me. 

“Readjusting to a new environment after living in Melbourne for so long will be a challenge but I am looking forward to some sunshine on the coast.”

The Jamaican defender had season career bests in 2021 with 41 gains, 16 intercepts and and 42 deflections.

Dehaney has been included in the Sunshine Girls squad to take on Trinidad and Tobago next month.