WHILE the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) might be done and dusted for 2019, we will review a number of talented players who stepped up this year and take a look at just what they have to offer and how they can improve further.

Sunshine Coast Lightning- Cara Koenen

DOB: 27/02/1996
Height: 190cm
Position: GS/GA

Season overview:

Koenen had a breakout season for the Sunshine Coast all but solidifying her spot in the starting seven in the latter half of the year thanks to her impressive movement, versatility and accuracy to post. She steadily grew with confidence as the season went on and let her shooting do the talking.

Assets:

The potential for the Sunshine Coast Lightning goaler is nothing but short of impressive really coming into her own throughout season 2019. Koenen is deceptively agile for her height able to move around the court with ease and take a strong drive along the baseline or drag and drop into the circle. Her skill to change up her game play from a holding shooter to a moving one makes her hard to stop when on song. Koenen provides a strong and commanding target under the post able to open up the space with her clever body work and is strong on the take. While her range is not extensive her accuracy from under the post is impressive able to sink them with ease and most importantly post a high volume of shots. Her growing connection between Diamond Steph Wood is exciting with the two moving seamlessly together in the circle to re-offer and shoot.

Improvements:

At times the young goaler can get caught up in the physicality of the game and lose her natural game style unable to get off the body or coming off the hold to early an area she will be hoping to hone in. Another key area that Koenen may be looking to improve on would be her ability to have an impact for a full four quarters against the top of the table teams as she can occasionally go missing when the pressure is turned on. Koenen will be wanting to further her endurance to assist her game play for the times when she moves out into goal attack to ensure that she maintains a constant threat.