Nat Medhurst is a name that has become synonymous with netball excellence. A player who has not only achieved personal accolades but has also played a pivotal role in the success of the teams she has represented. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this netball icon.
Early Life
Natalie “Nat” Medhurst was born on January 20, 1984, in Geraldton, Western Australia. Her interest in netball began at a young age, and she started playing at the age of six. As a teenager, she was already showing promise as a netball player, and she was selected for the West Australian under-19 team at the age of just 15.
Club Career
Nat Medhurst began her club career in 2003 when she was signed by the Perth Orioles in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy. She played for the club until the league was disbanded in 2007. During her time with the Orioles, she won the club’s MVP award twice and was named in the All-Star team three times.
After the Commonwealth Bank Trophy was disbanded, Nat Medhurst joined the West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championship. She played for the Fever for six seasons, from 2008 to 2013, and was a key player in the team’s success. During her time with the Fever, she was named the club’s MVP four times and was named in the All-Star team five times.
In 2014, Nat Medhurst joined the Queensland Firebirds and played for the team for three seasons. During her time with the Firebirds, she helped the team win two ANZ Championship titles and was named the club’s MVP in 2015. In 2017, she returned to the West Coast Fever and played for the team for three more seasons before retiring in 2020.
International Career
Nat Medhurst made her international debut for the Australian Diamonds in 2007. She went on to become a regular member of the team and played in several major tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup. She was a member of the Diamonds team that won the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Achievements and Accolades
Nat Medhurst has had a highly successful career, both at club and international level. Some of her achievements and accolades include:
- 2 Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018)
- 1 Commonwealth Games silver medal (2010)
- 3 ANZ Championship titles (2009, 2011, 2015)
- 2 Australian Netball League titles (2010, 2011)
- Named in the ANZ Championship All-Star team 8 times
- Named in the Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Year 3 times
- Named the West Coast Fever MVP 8 times
- Named the Queensland Firebirds MVP 1 time
Playing Style
Nat Medhurst is known for her exceptional shooting accuracy and her ability to create opportunities for her teammates. She is also a highly skilled and experienced player who can adapt to different game situations. Her leadership qualities and ability to remain calm under pressure make her a valuable asset to any team.
Retirement
In August 2020, Nat Medhurst announced her retirement from professional netball. In a statement, she said that it was “the right time” to step away from the game and that she was looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Legacy
Nat Medhurst’s legacy is one of excellence, determination, and hard work. She is a player who has inspired countless young netballers to follow in her footsteps and strive for success on and off the court. Her impact on the sport of netball has been immense, and her achievements will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
Nat Medhurst’s contribution to the sport of netball cannot be overstated. She is a player who has inspired countless young netballers to strive for success and has left a lasting legacy that will continue to be celebrated for years to come. Her achievements and accolades speak for themselves, and her playing style and leadership qualities have set an example for future generations of netballers to follow. As we look to the future of netball, we can be sure that the sport will continue to produce icons like Nat Medhurst who will inspire and captivate fans around the world.