Laura Geitz calls time on Diamonds career
SHE came back from the birth of her first child to win a Commonwealth Games medal but next year’s world titles are no longer on the radar of Laura Geitz who has called time on her international career.
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SHE came back from the birth of her first child to win a Commonwealth Games medal but next year’s world titles are no longer on the radar of Laura Geitz who has called time on her international career.
The former Australian captain, with 71 caps for her country, has made herself unavailable for a series of internationals later this year and next years world championships in the UK.
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But Geitz says she has yet to make a decision on her domestic career and whether she will return to Super Netball in 2018.
“I knew the time was right ,’’ Geitz said on Monday after her retirement plans were revealed.
Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander called Geitz an inspirational leader and an ultimate professional.
“I have not only had the great honour of representing Australia in the sport I love, but to get the chance to captain the Diamonds to gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life,’’ Geitz said.
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“These 10 years have flown by and been an amazing journey. The team’s success on court is only one part of what netball has given me. The experience and people I have met and worked with along the way have shaped who I am today.
“I’m excited for what the future holds for the Diamonds, with a number of talented athletes coming through the ranks. I can’t wait to cheer them on during the upcoming International Test Series and at the World Cup next year in England.
Geitz fought her way back into the Diamond earlier this year after the birth of son Barney so she could compete at a home Games.
“This type of opportunity normally only comes around once in an athletes career, so to get my body right and be in a position to contribute to the Diamonds was a pretty special opportunity.
“I’m a passionate Queenslander and to have the Games on the Gold Coast was incredible. While the gold medal game didn’t go our way, it was a fitting event to finish my international career at.
“I’m really looking forward to what the next chapter in my life entails, with more time to focus on work opportunities and my family,” Geitz said.