Resilience on the Court: A Champion's Journey

When Loughborough Lightning clinched back-to-back Netball Super League titles, captain Nat Panagarry's achievement carried extraordinary significance. The 34-year-old centre's path to glory featured detours through personal turmoil that nearly ended her professional career.

When Life Intercepted the Game Plan

In 2022, Panagarry faced her toughest opponent off the court when wife Katie was diagnosed with cancer. The decorated athlete considered stepping away from netball entirely during this period.

"I wasn't sure if I'd play again," Panagarry revealed to BBC East Midlands Today. "I went really insular, shut the doors - we wanted to handle this privately."

Netball as Therapy

Paradoxically, returning to competition became Panagarry's salvation. The structured environment of elite athletics provided stability during treatment. The 2023 title run helped navigate what she calls "the dark stages" of Katie's illness.

Championship Mentality

Now with Katie cancer-free (though undergoing regular monitoring), Panagarry approaches netball with renewed perspective:

• Increased appreciation for professional opportunities
• More relaxed on-court demeanor
• Heightened enjoyment of training routines
• Stronger team connections at Loughborough

The Lightning have established a dynasty with three titles in four NSL seasons. Their 2024 grand final victory over Manchester Thunder cemented their status among the league's most dominant squads.

The Road to History

As Panagarry prepares her squad for a potential three-peat, she maintains a zero-sum mentality:

"Everyone hunts champions - we embrace that target. Each season we reset, but always with the grand final in view."

This weekend's East Midlands derby against newcomer Nottingham Forest represents another chance to showcase the mental toughness forged through personal trials.

"We don't take moments for granted anymore," Panagarry reflects. "That perspective changed everything."