10
Dec
4 min read
Head coach Hurst out at Adelaide Lightning
Former Lightning head coach Nat Hurst and the club have agreed to part ways. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Adelaide Lightning and Natalie Hurst part ways
It's over for head coach Natalie "Nat" Hurst, 41, at the Adelaide Lightning.
The WNBL club announced on December 10, 2024 it and Hurst had "mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately".
Hurst was appointed head coach in 2022 ahead of WNBL23.
The club said: "(A) search for a new head coach set to begin right away."
The Lightning's 2-6 start to the 204-25 season proved a bridge too far in a line-up that includes WNBA and Australian Opals star Steph Talbot, Australian Opal Isobel Borlase, former NCAAW women's star Isabelle Bourne as well as WNBA import, American Brianna Turner and 2020 WNBA draft pick Japreece Dean.
Hurst's final game in charge was a 69-59 loss (Game Centre) to the first-year WNBL club Geelong United in Geelong on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Hurst was Adelaide's assistant coach between 2020 and 2022, after retiring as a seven-time WNBL champion and Grand Final MVP. She debuted for the Australia Opals during a series against China in 2009 and went on to win gold at the FIBA Oceania Women's Championships that same year. She was a member of the 2012 Opals squad.
"Hurst has demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion for the team over the past three seasons," the club said.
"While on-court results have fallen short of expectations, her dedication to developing talent has had a lasting impact, with several players earning international representative honours, including appearances at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"As both a player and coach, Hurst’s contributions to the Lightning remain highly valued by the club."
"Hurst’s legacy as a Lightning player and coach will forever remain a significant chapter in the club’s history.
"The Adelaide Lightning wishes Hurst all the best in her future endeavours."
But in the end, results matter and the Lightning, given the talent in their roster, under-performed with Hurst in the huddle.
"The Adelaide Lightning is committed to providing the best possible environment for players and fans and will begin the process of identifying a new head coach who can guide the team into the next phase of development," the club added.
The Lightning first game without Hurst is at home on Sunday, December 15, 2024, against the UC Capitals (Game Centre).
