Experienced coach Lisa Keightley has extended her association with Sydney Thunder’s WBBL team for an additional two years.
The former Australian cricketer has been in charge of Thunder for the past three seasons, guiding them to the eliminator in 2023 and the challenger stage in 2024, though the team placed seventh in the most recent campaign.
Keightley is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and professionally credentialed female coaches globally, currently leading Mumbai Indians in the WPL and MI London in the women’s Hundred. Her coaching resume also includes roles with England, Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, Perth Scorchers, Delhi Capitals, and Northern Superchargers, the latter of which she guided to victory in the 2025 Women’s Hundred before their relocation and rebranding as Superchargers Leeds.
“I’m thrilled to continue my journey with Sydney Thunder for another two years,” Keightley stated.
“We possess the talent required to build a title-winning team. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll have both delivered exceptional performances for Australia recently and bring significant strength to our batting lineup.
“We witnessed Tahlia Wilson make her international debut following a standout season.”
“Anika Learoyd had a very impressive season, and our emerging players showed encouraging potential for the future, including Lucy Finn, who had several standout performances in her debut year.”
“The performance last season was naturally disappointing from a results perspective. We are fully aware of our capabilities and will focus on improving to regain genuine competition status.”
“I have confidence in this group, the efforts we’re putting in behind the scenes, and I believe the squad is developing towards something truly special in the upcoming season.”
Thunder’s General Manager, Trent Copeland, expressed satisfaction with Keightley’s re-signing.
“Lisa is a true icon of women’s cricket, and we are delighted she is remaining with us,” Copeland remarked.
“She is a highly coveted coach with international interest, yet she clearly values her role here, and we are equally proud to have her at Thunder.
“She is also the ideal candidate to continue nurturing early leadership and development for players like Phoebe Litchfield, which is vital for the long-term success of this team and Australian cricket.”
“We are confident that all the necessary elements—player roster, environment, and program support—are in place for this initiative to achieve titles in the next two years and beyond.”
