Prolific try-scoring hooker Kathryn Treder has signed a new contract to remain with Loughborough Lightning.
Since arriving from Darlington Mowden Park in 2023, the USA international has scored 24 tries in 43 appearances in the African Violet, the majority being off the back of dominant rolling mauls set up perfectly by her laser-accurate throwing, finishing second in the league for lineout throws won in 25/26.
Alongside her prowess domestically, Treder remains a mainstay on the USA national team, having made her debut in 2019 and, following her involvement in the 2025 edition, has now featured in two World Cups with 37 international caps to her name.
“My main reason for re-signing is just the love for this club,” Treder explained. “I feel Loughborough has become a second home for me.”
“I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of the group in the 2025/26 season. I don’t think where we finished in the table is a true reflection of the efforts and the talent of the squad.
“Last year has made me really excited for this upcoming season. I feel we’re on the precipice of something really awesome, and many of our performances last year reflected that.
“The young talent coming through the Loughborough pathway is incredible to see, we have players that are coming straight from the BUCS side into the Lightning squad and are making immediate and huge impacts not just on the squad but the league as a whole.
“Even if they don’t represent the senior side as frequently as they’d like, they really show up in training making a huge effort to push the whole squad to get better and help everyone prepare.”
The dynamic hooker added a further 16 appearances in African Violet in the 2025/26 season as she closes in on almost 50 appearances for the club as the 2026/27 season edges closer.
On her ambitions for the upcoming season with Lightning, Treder added, “My personal goals for this season are just to see this side make the top four; it’s been our ambition for a long time, and it’s a very real possibility.
“Personally, I feel a lot of my contributions and strengths come in defence and at the set-piece, so I’d love to continue to make that a point of difference for us.
“It’s incredibly special working with this coaching group; they really help us build on what we’ve been working on and remain consistent with our goals and the systems we’ve been running.
“I need to thank the Lightning fans; they’ve made this a home away from home for many seasons now. It’s challenging being so far away from my home town and my family, so it means a lot having this community and support around me. They are so supportive and welcoming.
“I also have to thank my family for supporting me in this dream. It’s hard being away, but I really think I’m trying to do something special with my rugby career, so I’m really grateful for all of their support as well.”
Treder’s re-signing follows previous announcements that Helena Rowland, Sadia Kabeya, Daisy Hibbert‑Jones, Carmela Morrall, Megan Davey, Mae Sagapolu, Keevy Fitzpatrick and Amelia Williams have all recommitted to the club.
“When I joined the club, Kathryn was the first player that I personally signed for Lightning, so I am pleased she has decided to commit her future to the side,” said head coach Nathan Smith.
“She brings an excellent level of precision with her lineout throwing, as well as a mature head and level of experience that she brings to the side as a seasoned international campaigner.
“We are fortunate to be in a position where the hooker position is one of great strength and depth at Lightning, and they each push each other to improve and perform on the pitch.”
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