Loughridge embraces 'bigger role' at Lightning

She was one of last season's breakout stars and now Dallas Loughridge is ready to take her game to the next level in WNBL26.

And she will get every chance to achieve that after her off-season move from Southside, where she averaged 11.2 points (including 49.3 per cent from downtown) and 2.1 assists per game, to Adelaide.

“Here in Adelaide, I think being a leader will add even more to my game, and I think it's going to be good for me,” Loughridge said to basketball.com.au.

“It's going to be a bigger role and I'm excited to grow my game and take on a new opportunity.”

The 21-year-old point guard is part of the Lightning's revamped roster for 2025-26, headlined by the return of Australian Opal Steph Talbot and import recruits Sania Feagin and Serena Sundell, who both played in the recent WNBA season with LA Sparks and Dallas respectively.

With this firepower on the roster, which will be coached by Kerryn Mitchell, Loughridge, who represented the Indigenous Basketball Association All Stars earlier this year, is confident her Lightning can achieve success this season.

"All of the girls are all in, we've all got one goal. We get in each day and we work hard, so it’s a great environment," Loughridge said.

The Lightning tip-off their new era on Sunday against the Perth Lynx.

The Round 1 clash, at the SA State Basketball Centre, will be broadcast live on ESPN from 6pm AEDT.

Read the full story here >> Dallas to strike in 'bigger role' with Lightning