By Erin Lyons
Gretel Bueta’s path to netball’s elite isn’t like most.
The professional basketballer turned netballer has stunned the netball world with her athleticism on court.
And while Bueta has acknowledged her style has been described as “unconventional”, there’s no denying her sheer athleticism is almost unrivalled.
So when the 29-year-old received a phone call from Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich to tell her she would be in the 12-woman team bound for Birmingham, she might have been surprised, but the rest of Australia certainly wasn’t.
She’s in the top 10 players for Nissan Net Points and has taken out the crown as the player with the most centre pass receives in the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season – a title traditionally reserved for the games’ wing attacks.
“I was at home with Bobby (her 18-month-old son) and I just remember being so nervous all day,” she said, reflecting on waiting for Marinkovich’s call.
“Last Commonwealth Games I missed out and was a reserve.
“When Stacey told me I made the team, I was in a bit of shock. But I was just so excited. The hard work begins now.”
PATH TO DIAMONDS
A talented basketball player during childhood, Bueta had just competed in the Women’s Basketball World Cup when she was forced to take a break after developing glandular fever.
That’s when she decided to take up social netball with friends to keep active, and well, as they say… the rest is history.
Gretel Bueta's athleticism is almost unrivalled.The 191cm shooter caught the eye of recruiters who convinced her to play competitively.
She was brought in as a replacement player for the Queensland Firebirds in 2013 and debuted for the NSW Swifts a year later.
Being a Queensland girl she returned to the Firebirds in 2015 and has remained with the purple family ever since.
Some of Bueta’s best memories were made on the netball court.
The 2019 World Cup is up there, so are the 2015 and 2016 grand finals with the Firebirds, while debuting for the Diamonds in New Zealand is one of the best.
“My family had a holiday booked for Hawaii and detoured to Auckland to watch me play so that was really special,” she said.
HER BIGGEST FAN
There are plenty of things that motivate Bueta. She said her body feels great, she loves what she does and she’s constantly challenging herself to be the best she can be. But there is one thing that motivates her above all else… her 18-month-old son Bobby.
“He keeps me on my toes,” she says, as her eyes dart sideways to Bobby running up and down courtside at the Diamonds camp in Brisbane.
“Things are always evolving, always changing and that's what I love about it (being a mum). He surprises us every day.
Gretel Bueta's number one fan is her 18-month-old son Bobby. Photography: Erick Lucero“In this environment we feel so comfortable. It’s very accepting of having your family around.”
Sport teaches you many life lessons and for Bueta, that’s no different.
“There are so many lessons sport teaches you, from resilience to adaptability. It teaches you to believe and to be able to work with people to achieve a common goal.
“That's what I love about netball. It’s the ultimate team sport. No one can do it all and you can't achieve anything without each other.”
And the goal for Birmingham?
“The gold,” Bueta replies quickly.
“And being the best possible player I can be.”
ABOUT GRETEL
Name: Gretel Bueta
Positions: GA/GS
Game day pump up song: Spotify’s ‘Daily Lift’ playlist
Game day breakfast: Banana Pancakes
