Allora’s Laura Geitz will now play in her first World Netball Championships after making the Australian Diamonds squad on Monday. Geitz told the Southern Free Times after the team announcement in Canberra on Monday afternoon that her selection topped her netball achievements.
“This will be my first world championships and I couldn’t be happier. Obviously when you start playing, it’s your dream to make the Commonwealth Games team and the world championships team as this is the pinnacle of netball,” Geitz said.
“We’ve now got an opportunity to stand up on the world stage.”
She made her debut in the Commonwealth Games team last year and came home with a silver medal. Geitz hopes Australia can defend its World Netball Championships title and gain revenge against arch-rival the New Zealand Silver Ferns who just beat Australia in last year’s Commonwealth Games in a double extra time thriller.
The Diamonds will travel to New Zealand tomorrow to play in two Test matches against the Silver Ferns on June 9 and June 12 before heading to Singapore for the 2011 World Netball Championships from July 3-10.
Geitz’s Diamonds selection follows an incredible season as vice-captain of the Queensland Firebirds, who recently won their first ANZ Championship title and are the first team to go through the championship undefeated.
“I’m so excited. It’s an extra bonus added onto the great season we’ve had,” Geitz said.
“It’s been incredible; an amazing journey,” she said.
Geitz was also recognised last Thursday for her contribution to the Queensland team both on and off the court and has been awarded the Queensland Firebirds Players’ Player award.
This follows the Firebirds being given the Keys to the City in Brisbane last week and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh also presented the team with the inaugural Queensland Champion award in honour of their undefeated season.
Geitz said she would bring the ANZ Championship trophy home to the Warwick district for residents to see as soon as she can.
Story: Rebecca Brown
