Injuries to fellow Lightning hookers Elis Martin and Lucy Calladine prompted head coach Nathan Smith to act and bring in an experienced player in the pivotal position in January. 
Stathopoulos was the player he turned to, bringing with her a wealth of experience, having previously played in Premiership Women’s Rugby for Trailfinders Women and has been capped 18 times by the USA.
Paige made her debut as a replacement during the defeat to Gloucester-Hartpury in February 2026.