"We're going to be gritty": Parham-Ammar's vision for revamped Lightning

After a strong end to last campaign and a busy off-season, Lightning coach Aja Parham-Ammar says there is now 'an expectation in Adelaide to compete', and 'that fits my personality perfectly'.

In the lead-up, the Lightning have added the likes of Zitina Aokuso, Shay Ciezki, Maddy Westbeld, Gemma Potter and Jess McDowell-White, while retaining key figures Steph Talbot and Tayla Brazel.

Rounding out Parham-Ammar's revamped roster are Elisa Brett, Aspen Crase, Coco Hodges and Kiara Waite, which gives the second-year coach excitement heading into WNBL27.

"One of the number one goals that we had in the off-season was making sure that we are representing the club and the community appropriately," Parham-Ammar said on The Loop.

"We had a great team last year in terms of the people that we had, now we're just adding on to what we built culturally last season, bringing in some talent that we're really excited for."

A big part of that continued ascension is the focus on development across the squad.

"We're connected in that development component of it all," she said.

"You've got your imports coming in, you've got your Opals that continue to develop, and then you have your young players that have a want to make a mark for themselves in this League.

"We're all in that headspace of how can we be the best versions of ourselves, and then collectively what that does for the team as a whole."

When they hit the hardwood for their season-opener in Sydney on October 18, Parham-Ammar expects her side to fight for one another and all the team's loyal fans.

"We're going to be gritty," she said.

"We've got a lot of players that have that X-factor and dog in them, who are willing to fight for every possession and [work] on both ends of the court.

"They want to prove it to themselves, while representing their families and representing their community, [as best they can].

"We'll be competitive; I'm looking forward to it."

Prior to the season tipping off, the Lightning will travel to Far North Queensland for the TechnologyOne Townsville Tip-Off in September.