Newly retired Sunshine Coast Lightning captain Steph Fretwell announces pregnancy

Former Diamonds vice-captain Steph Fretwell has added to the national team’s baby joy, announcing she’s expecting her first child next March.

Emma Greenwood

2 min read

September 23, 2025 - 3:38PM

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Steph Fretwell has announced she’s having a baby. Picture: Getty

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Some of the reasoning behind Steph Fretwell’s retirement has become clearer, with the former Diamonds vice-captain announcing she is expecting a baby in March next year.

The ex Sunshine Coast Lightning skipper made the announcement on social media on Tuesday afternoon, with a message written in the sand: “Baby Fretwell due March 2026”.

Fretwell, who played most of her career and her 56 Diamonds Tests under her maiden name of Wood, married Marcus Fretwell two years ago following Australia’s World Cup win in Cape Town.

The 33-year-old’s retirement at the end of the season was a surprise given she had expressed a desire to play on, accepting she may play a different role after a career as a starter.

Even at the Super Netball grand final, just over seven weeks ago, Fretwell sounded very much like a current player, talking up the Lightning’s desire to be in the season-ending match in 2026.

But starting a family with husband Marcus has always been on Fretwell’s long-term radar and after a holiday in New Zealand with Paige Hadley, who recently announced her own pregnancy, last week, she took to Instagram to share her news.

“Marcus and I are excited to announce that we have a little sassy GA (goal attack) on the way. Baby Girl due March 2026. Excited for this next chapter”

Hadley, who said she was “so grateful we get to do this thing together” was among the first to congratulate her, with many of the sport’s biggest names joining in.

Longtime Lightning and Diamonds teammate Cara Koenen said she was “SO SO HAPPY! Can’t wait to meet her. love you guys”, while former and current Diamonds Sarah Klau, Kiera Austin, Donnell Wallam and new mum Emily Mannix were also thrilled.

Fretwell has long been rated one of the most intelligent players in the league and a move into coaching would not surprise.

The Lightning, who announced an ownership change earlier this week with their licence to be transferred from the Melbourne Storm to Global Sports Fund Management Group, the partnership formed by former Wests Tigers powerbrokers Justin Pascoe and Lee Hagipantelis, would do well to snap her up in a coaching or management role – although with the 2026 season starting in March next year due to the Commonwealth Games, she may have her hands full for 2026 at least.