The former Australia batter has coached Thunder for the past three years, leading them to the eliminator in 2023 and the challenger in 2024 but the club finished seventh last season.
Keightley is one of the most experienced and well-credentialed female coaches in the world and currently coaches Mumbai Indians in the WPL and MI London in the women’s Hundred. She also has coached England, Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, Perth Scorchers, Delhi Capitals, and Northern Superchargers, whom she took to the 2025 Women’s Hundred title before they became Superchargers Leeds under new ownership for this season.
“I’m really excited to be staying with Sydney Thunder for another two years,” Keightley said.
“We’ve got the talent that can make us a title-winning side. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll have both been outstanding for Australia recently, and they bring real firepower to our batting group.
“We saw Tahlia Wilson make her international debut for Australia off the back of another great year.
“Anika Learoyd had a very impressive season, and our young guns showed promising signs for the future, including Lucy Finn who had some stand-out performances in her debut season.
“Last season was obviously disappointing from an on-field perspective. We know we have a much better performance in us, and we will be pushing ourselves to get back into genuine contention.
“I know this group, the work we’re doing behind the scenes, and I believe the squad is building towards something special in the upcoming season.”
Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland was pleased to re-sign Keightley.
“Lisa is a genuine legend of women’s cricket, and we couldn’t be happier that she’s sticking with us,” Copeland said.
“She’s a highly sought-after coach with interest from teams around the world, but she loves being here, and we love having her at Thunder.
“She’s also the perfect person to continue fostering the early leadership and development of someone like Phoebe Litchfield, which is crucial for the future of this team and Australian cricket.
“We truly believe all the pieces are in place; the playing group, the environment and the support for this program to win titles over the next two years and beyond.”
