The champion defender, Geitz, said the timing was right to call an end to her Diamonds career.
“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.
“These ten 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 said.
A fearless leader, Geitz has been involved in two successful Netball World Cup campaigns (2011, 2015) and won Commonwealth Games gold in 2014.
This champion defender also won the Liz Ellis Diamond in 2011, after a successful World Cup and undefeated domestic season.
After giving birth to her first child, Barney, in 2017, the proud Queenslander returned to the Diamonds squad in 2018 after a year off, to compete at a home Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast last April.
Geitz said the chance to compete at a home Games was a real carrot to get back on the court once last time for the Diamonds.
“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.
Diamonds head coach, Lisa Alexander, said Laura has been an inspirational leader within the playing group and her presence at camps, on tour and most importantly on court will be missed.
“Laura has been a champion for the Diamonds, the ultimate professional, always setting the bench mark for other players, so they knew exactly what was expected to play at this level.
“Her Diamonds legacy will only grow stronger over the years and no doubt she will continue to have an impact on young players coming up through the ranks.
“Laura is a fantastic ambassador for netball and I personally thank her for the contribution she has made to Diamonds and netball in Australia,” Alexander said.
Laura Geitz background:
Date of Birth: 4 November 1987
Age: 30
Partner: Mark Gilbride
Home town: Allora, Queensland
Diamonds debut: October 2008 vs England (Newcastle, AUS)
Test caps: 71
Netball World Cup
Gold: 2011 Singapore
Gold: 2015 Australia (Captain)
Commonwealth Games
Gold: 2014 Glasgow (Captain)
Silver: 2018 Gold Coast
Silver: 2010 Delhi
