Lightning outline 2025 VNL coaching structure

Melbourne University Lightning are pleased to confirm the Club’s coaching structure for the 2025 Victorian Netball League season.

The Club are thrilled to appoint these pivotal roles in our program, continuing an era of strong leadership and excellence.

Tegan Hopkins steps up to become the Club’s Director of Netball, with responsibilities of athlete development, program administration and community engagement, as well as Championship Assistant Coach.

Next year will be Tegan's tenth year coaching at the Club, having started out as 19 & Under Head Coach in 2016, and taking the side to finals the following year.

Across the last three years as Championship Head Coach, Tegan has taken the group to two finals campaigns, combining this with positions as Victorian Fury Apprentice Coach in 2023 (Australian Netball Championships) and Assistant Coach this year (Super Netball Reserves pilot competition).

After three successful seasons in both the 19 & Under and 23 & Under Head Coach roles - with a 53 win, 11 loss and 1 draw record - Sarah Mylrea moves to Championship Head Coach and will be at the forefront of team strategy, training and match-day decisions, bringing fresh eyes and expertise to our athletes.

Sarah also brings experience as Victorian 19 & Under Apprentice coach, 17 & Under Assistant coach at this year’s National Netball Championships, and has been re-appointed for next year’s Championships.

Steph Norton will take the reins as Head Coach of the 23 & Under side, after excelling in the Assistant Coach position this season.

Having spent several years at the Club as Academy Head Coach and Division 1 Assistant Coach over the last ten years, Steph has also spent time at Southern Saints and Ariels and as team manager for Victorian State teams.

These are exciting changes for the coaching group, each continuing to move through the respective pathway.

The Club will announce our 23 & Under Assistant Coach, and confirm Lightning Futures and Lightning Bolts coaches and 2025 Support Staff in due course.

2025 VNL Coaching Structure

Director of Netball

Tegan Hopkins

Championship

Head Coach - Sarah Mylrea

Assistant Coach - Tegan Hopkins

23 & Under

Head Coach - Steph Norton

Assistant Coach - TBA