From Doubt to Glory: How Panagarry Clinched NSL Titles

Nat Panagarry acknowledges she harbored reservations about pursuing her career further before eventually leading Loughborough Lightning to consecutive Netball Super League championships.

In 2022, when Panagarry’s spouse Katie received a cancer diagnosis at age 34, she channeled her efforts into caring for her.

"I doubted whether I would get back into playing, became quite inward-looking, closed off from others, and wished to handle this situation among us alone," Panagarray shared with East Midlands Today.

However, what Panagarry discovered was that going back into action made her more capable of assisting Katie effectively.

The center, which has been adorned previously, had mentioned Loughborough's championship claim in 2023. assisted her in navigating through the "dark stages."

Panagarry mentions that the struggle faced by Katie, who is currently cancer-free but still goes through routine check-ups and scans, has made them value life even more.

"Nous sommes plus proches que jamais, vivant chaque jour sans le prendre pour acquis," déclara Panagarry. I noticed you asked specifically about Australian English; however, your original quote appears to be in English with French inserted ("We are..."). I've preserved "Panagarry" as is since it seems like a name. If this isn’t what was intended please provide more specific instructions! Here’s another attempt staying entirely within English: "We have never been closer, embracing each day without taking it for granted," stated Panagarry.

This sentiment carries over into her playing career.

She mentioned that you only recognize something when you stop taking it for granted.

However, when it finally ceased and I considered that perhaps I couldn’t continue with this anymore or that I might not make it to Loughborough as often since I reside in Leeds and may have increased responsibilities there, the idea of potentially losing it really made me appreciate what I had even more.

It was also an awakening that transformed Panagarry as a player.

"I've become more at ease with this, and I suppose I might be quite tense normally," she commented.

Each season, including preseason and testing, strangely brings me joy because what I once thought might be taken away has become essential for becoming the best possible version of myself.

The pre-season at Loughborough this year focused on preparing Lightning to aim for their third successive NSL title, an achievement no team has matched yet.

Their consecutive victories and three championships within four years have already set Lightning apart as one of the most dominating teams in the history of the competition.

As she put it, everything resets to zero, and the process begins anew.

Everybody is looking for you, and everyone desires that prize, which is exactly what we enjoy. We've been in this situation previously.

I enjoy how everyone believes they will emerge victorious each time we hit the court; there’s an eagerness to put up a great performance and secure a spot in the top four. This mindset is openly discussed rather than concealed, which I find truly admirable about both the club and its culture.

Every year, our aim is to make it to the grand final and have an opportunity to claim that trophy.

With two victories in their initial three matches this season, Loughborough finds itself positioned third in the standings as they prepare for their inaugural East Midlands derby against new competitors Nottingham Forest on Saturday at their Motorpoint Arena venue.

"I'm thrilled and I believe it will be a physically demanding contest out there," Panagarry stated.

Norwich is fantastic; we launched our inaugural weekend there several years back, and I'm really fond of that venue. The proximity to the audience makes you feel more connected, plus you can sense the vibrant atmosphere and the sound levels.