Netball is a sport that has been played for over a century and has gained immense popularity around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of the greatest netball players of all time, Geva Mentor. With a career spanning over two decades, Geva has made an indelible mark on the sport of netball. Let’s dive into the world of Geva Mentor and her remarkable career.
Who is Geva Mentor?
Geva Mentor is a netball player from England, born on 17th September 1984. She was introduced to netball at a young age and developed a passion for the sport. She attended Penryn College in Cornwall, where she played for the school team. Geva went on to represent Cornwall at the age of 14 and made her debut for the England national team in 2000 at the age of 16.
Career Highlights
Geva has had an illustrious career in netball and has won several accolades throughout her career. She has represented England in four Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 2018 and bronze in 2006 and 2010. She has also played in four World Netball Championships, winning silver in 2019 and bronze in 2011 and 2015. Geva has also played for several teams in the domestic leagues across the world. She has played for Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Australian Suncorp Super Netball League and has won the league twice with them. She has also played for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the same league and won the league with them as well. She has also played for the Northern Mystics in the New Zealand ANZ Premiership League.
Geva Mentor’s Achievements
Here are some of Geva Mentor’s achievements in netball:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Bronze medal at Commonwealth Games |
| 2007 | Selected in World Netball Championships All-Star team |
| 2009 | Selected in International Federation of Netball Associations All-Star team |
| 2010 | Bronze medal at Commonwealth Games |
| 2011 | Bronze medal at World Netball Championships |
| 2014 | ANZ Championship runner-up with Melbourne Vixens |
| 2015 | Bronze medal at World Netball Championships |
| 2016 | Super Netball champion with Queensland Firebirds |
| 2017 | Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year |
| 2018 | Gold medal at Commonwealth Games |
| 2018 | Super Netball champion with Sunshine Coast Lightning |
| 2019 | Silver medal at World Netball Championships |
| 2020 | New Zealand ANZ Premiership runner-up with Northern Mystics |
| 2021 | Super Netball runner-up with Sunshine Coast Lightning |
Geva Mentor’s Playing Style
Geva is a defender and is known for her exceptional defensive skills. Her height and athleticism give her an advantage in defense, and she is known for her ability to intercept passes and make crucial tackles. She is also an excellent communicator on the court, constantly directing her teammates and organizing the defense. Her playing style is aggressive and physical, which has earned her a reputation as one of the best defenders in the game.
Geva Mentor’s Influence on Netball
Geva has been an influential figure in netball and has helped raise the profile of the sport around the world. Her dedication and commitment to the sport have inspired countless young netball players around the world. She has also been a role model for women in sport and has shown that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
Geva Mentor’s Retirement
After a career spanning over two decades, Geva Mentor announced her retirement from international netball in January 2022 She stated that it was a difficult decision to make but felt it was the right time for her to step away from the international stage. Geva’s retirement has left a huge void in the England national team, and it will be interesting to see who will step up to fill her shoes.
Geva Mentor’s Legacy
Geva Mentor’s legacy in netball is one that will be remembered for generations to come. Her dedication to the sport and her exceptional playing skills have made her one of the greatest netball players of all time. She has been an inspiration to countless young netball players around the world, and her influence on the sport will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Geva Mentor is a netball legend who has made an indelible mark on the sport of netball. Her exceptional playing skills, dedication, and commitment to the sport have inspired countless young netball players around the world. Geva’s achievements in netball are a testament to her hard work and perseverance, and her legacy in the sport will continue to be felt for many years to come. We wish Geva all the best in her retirement and thank her for the incredible contributions she has made to the sport of netball.