Young South Australian star joins the Lightning

The Adelaide Lightning on Thursday confirming South Australian talent Coco Hodges has committed to the club for the upcoming WNBL27 season, pending League review and approval. 

The 18-year-old has been a must-watch talent rising through the ranks of Australian basketball. Representing her home state at the 2026 U20 National Championships, where she won gold against Queensland in the Finals, averaging 18.67 points per game in the tournament. 

Currently starring for West Adelaide Bearcats in NBL1 Central, she’s steadily improved from a role player to an All-Star Five candidate. Sitting 9-0 as the team’s secondary scorer and leader in assists and rebounds, the young guard is set to join the retooling Lightning. 

“Putting on the Lightning jersey means the world to me. Growing up, my dream was always to play in the WNBL, so now to have the opportunity to step onto the court at this level, in my home city, for the team I grew up supporting, is incredibly special,” she told the Lightning. 

“The vision that Tess and Aja have for the future of the club is exciting. They’re investing in the development of their players while pushing to win championships.”

“As a young player stepping into the WNBL for the first time, I really am looking forward to just challenging myself against talented and experienced players, taking opportunities as they come and soaking up as much as I can.”

"Lightning Head Coach Aja Parham-Ammar said she’s looking forward to seeing what the young sharp-shooter can contribute to the team.

“Development players are key to our team’s growth. They bring new energy and creativity that can boost our performance,” she said.

“With Coco, we are excited to nurture local talent through mentorship and developing in a professional environment, helping them succeed and strengthen our team.”

Hodges joins Steph Talbot, Dallas Loughridge, Tayla Brazel, Jessica McDowell-White. Zitina Aokuso and Gemma Potter as committed players to the roster pending WNBL review and approval. 

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