www.islandstats.com continues the spotlight on the Bermuda Netball National Team selected for the Battle of the Isles tournament being held in St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, October 21st – 26th 2025.
We continue the series today with Kianté Lightbourne
Your Full Name: Kianté LaShay Lightbourne
Your Team/Club: Phoenix Netball Club
Best pre-game hype song: If soca is involved, consider me hyped
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?: Invisibility or being able to read people’s minds.
How did you first get into your sport? I tried netball at school and I loved it so my mom found a way! She brought me to the courts to play with Aunt Debbie and I have been playing ever since.
Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model, both in and out of your sport? Inside of my sport…my coaches have always inspired me to continue to work hard and grow as a netballer but, growing up I was amazed by Stacey Francis and Serena Guthrie, I always compared my netball path to theirs and aspired to be like them. I spent most of my childhood growing up in England and whenever the England Roses were playing nearby, I would volunteer to help as a ball girl or selling programs just so I could watch them play up close. Outside of sport…definitely my family! Knowing that they are there to support me through everything and will always be proud of my efforts and achievements, no matter how small, is always inspiration to continue working hard at whatever it is I am doing!
What is the most valuable lesson your sport has taught you? Things will not always go your way, most times it’s about how you adapt and overcome those challenges or defeats that makes you improve and evolve.
Tell us about your proudest moment as an athlete so far. I would have to say playing in the Premier League in the UK for the first time. It was a great moment to reflect on the journey I have been on with this sport in such a short period of time.
What goes through your mind in the final moments of a close game? I ask myself if I am doing everything I can to help my team win the match. I will definitely be trying to make sure myself and my team are aware of the importance of taking all of our possessions to goal and not making unforced errors.
How do you handle a tough loss or a disappointing performance? Losses are always lessons. I’ll often analyse what my team and I could have done differently to change the outcome taking note of any weaknesses that can be worked on in training. As I’ve gotten older, I have definitely learned to give myself a bit more grace. My coach will also let me talk it out.
What's your go-to activity when you're not training or competing? When I’m not training or competing I’m probably coaching, umpiring or doing something for the council but outside of netball, I can be found playing or watching other sports and mostly eating and sleeping.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party (can be anyone, living or historical)? My Papa Lightbourne and Mama Lice because I miss them everyday. Also Serena Williams and my sister, Kianya.
What advice would you give to a young person aspiring to follow in your footsteps? Train hard and ask questions. Netball knowledge also comes from watching elite netball, get yourself a membership to netball pass and just take it all in. From the mentality, the intensity, the rules, just take it everything in.
Finish this sentence: "My sport means..." Everything to me! It’s a place where I can clear my mind completely but at the same time learn and push myself to be my best, socialise, reflect on how far I have come and also give back to others who wish to enjoy the sport.
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