Adelaide Lightning welcomes Aja Parham-Ammar as Interim head coach for 2025/26 WNBL season

The Adelaide Lightning are proud to announce the appointment of Aja Parham-Ammar as Interim Head Coach.

A former Boston College standout and with WNBA experience, Parham-Ammar brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to the Lightning. Following her professional career in the United States andoverseas, she has established herself in Australia as both a respected coach and mentor.

Currently based in Brisbane, she has coached at the NBL1level—leading both men’s and women’s programs—and runs her own performance training business developing athletes.

Special adviser to the WNBL and Head of Women In Basketball for Basketball Australia, Lauren Jackson said: 

"Aja's journey, her leadership and her global perspective are incredibly inspiring. She understands what it takes to grow athletes as players and as people, and that's exactly what this next chapter ofthe Adelaide Lightning is about.

Parham-Ammar played pre-season games with Jackson's Seattle Storm.

"Adelaide is building something strong, and AjaParham-Ammar is the right person to take this club into it's next era,"said Jackson.

Parham-Ammar is renowned for her focus on player development and her ability to sharpen skills and is fiercely driven to build team cohesion.

Tess Madgen, former Opals Captain, Olympian and special adviser to the Lightning said:

"I strongly believe Aja will bring the stability, leadership and support the organisation needs, while also driving the development of a strong culture and effective systems for the playing groupduring this critical period. 

"My focus has been on supporting the current playing group, leaning into their growth, development and well-being both on and off court and Aja is an excellent fit and well placed to achieve the common goalsshared by all involved."

Aja has joined the team today and will coach them againstBendigo away from home Sunday. 

Georgia Crouch will join Aja on the bench as the Assistant Coach.

“Aja is a leader who inspires through action and connection.Her dedication to skill development and her vision for team-wide contributionmake her the perfect fit for the Lightning as we continue to push boundariesand set new standards in the WNBL,” said Adelaide Lightning CEO Melanie MacGillivray.

The Lightning family warmly welcomes Aja Parham-Ammar and looks forward to the energy, expertise, and innovation she will bring to thecourt.

‍