Laura Geitz is a name that resonates with netball fans around the world. She is a celebrated Australian netball player, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the sport. Geitz has a long list of achievements to her name, which includes winning gold at the Commonwealth Games, World Cup, and the ANZ Championship. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Laura Geitz, exploring her journey to becoming one of the most successful netballers of all time.
Early Life and Introduction to Netball
Laura Geitz was born on 4th November 1987, in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. She grew up in Allora, a small town in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. Geitz was an active child, who loved playing all kinds of sports. She played basketball, tennis, and even competed in athletics events. However, it was netball that eventually caught her attention.
Geitz started playing netball when she was nine years old. Her love for the sport grew quickly, and she soon became a regular player for her school team. She was a natural athlete, with a tall and strong build, which made her perfect for the role of a defender. Geitz’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, and she was soon selected for the Queensland State team.
Rise to the Top
Geitz’s career in netball took off when she was selected to play for the Queensland Firebirds in the ANZ Championship. She made her debut for the team in 2008 and quickly became one of their key players. Geitz’s height, speed, and agility made her a formidable defender, who could shut down some of the best attacking players in the league.
In 2011, Geitz was named captain of the Queensland Firebirds. This was a huge honor for her, as she was only 23 years old at the time. However, Geitz took on the challenge with determination and led her team to victory in the ANZ Championship that year. This was the first of three championships that Geitz would win as captain of the Firebirds.
Geitz’s success with the Queensland Firebirds caught the attention of the Australian national team selectors. She was selected to represent her country at the 2011 World Netball Championships in Singapore. Geitz was an instrumental player in the Australian team, helping them to win the championship. She was named the Player of the Match in the final, where Australia defeated New Zealand 58-57.
Laura Geitz’s Achievements
Laura Geitz has achieved a lot in her career as a netballer. She has won numerous championships and awards, which include:
- Three ANZ Championships with the Queensland Firebirds (2011, 2015, and 2016)
- Gold at the 2011 and 2015 World Netball Championships
- Gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games
- Named the Liz Ellis Diamond winner in 2011 and 2015
- Named the International Player of the Year in 2015
- Inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame in 2019
Geitz’s achievements have made her one of the most successful netballers of all time. She has inspired a generation of young netball players and has shown them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
Life Outside Netball
Laura Geitz is not just a successful netballer, but also a wife and mother. She married her long-term partner, Mark Gilbride, in 2013, and they have two children together. Geitz has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood, but she has managed to do so with grace and determination.
Geitz is also passionate about giving back to the community. She has been involved in various charity events and initiatives, including the RSPCA Million Paws Walk and the Good Friday Appeal. In 2019, Geitz launched her own charity, the Laura Geitz Foundation, which aims to inspire and empower young girls to achieve their dreams through sport.
The Legacy of Laura Geitz
Laura Geitz’s legacy in netball is undeniable. She has inspired countless young girls around the world to take up the sport and has shown them that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Geitz’s success on the court has been a testament to her talent and dedication, and her impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come.
Geitz’s legacy extends beyond netball, as she is also a role model for women in general. She has shown that it is possible to balance a successful career with motherhood, and that women can achieve great things when they put their minds to it. Geitz has been an inspiration to women of all ages, and her story is a reminder that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
Laura Geitz’s Playing Style
Laura Geitz is known for her dynamic and aggressive playing style. As a defender, Geitz is known for her ability to read the game and anticipate her opponents’ moves. She is also known for her physicality and her ability to win one-on-one battles with opposing attackers.
Geitz’s height, speed, and agility make her a formidable opponent on the court. She is able to cover large areas of the court and can quickly switch between attacking and defending positions. Geitz’s athleticism and versatility have made her one of the most valuable players in the game.
Conclusion
Laura Geitz is a legend of netball, who has achieved incredible success in her career. She has inspired a generation of young players, and her impact on the sport will be felt for years to come. Geitz’s dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have been an inspiration to women around the world, and her legacy extends far beyond the netball court.
Geitz’s story is a reminder that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and are willing to put in the work. She has shown that success can be achieved in any area of life, whether it’s on the court, in the boardroom, or at home. Laura Geitz is a true inspiration, and her story is one that will continue to inspire and motivate people for years to come.
References
- Laura Geitz Foundation. (n.d.). About Us. https://laurageitzfoundation.org.au/about-us/
- Netball Australia. (n.d.). Laura Geitz. https://netball.com.au/players/laura-geitz
- Queensland Sport Hall of Fame. (2019). Laura Geitz. https://www.qsport.org.au/qshof-inductees/2019-inductees/laura-geitz/
- Team App. (n.d.). Laura Geitz. https://teamapp.com/player_profiles/1332622-laura-geitz
- Wikipedia. (2021, April 28). Laura Geitz. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Geitz