This video can not be played 'Excited to see where netball can go' - Mentor on retirement after lengthy career Netball legend Geva Mentor says she is positive about the future of the sport after playing the final game of her career on Sunday. The 40-year-old retired after Leeds Rhinos' last game of the Netball Super League season - an 80-61 defeat by Nottingham Forest. "I'm excited to see where netball goes over the next few years," the former England international told BBC Sport. "We are looking at the improvement of the game and making it a real product that everyone can get behind." Mentor, who is now based in France, has been a trailblazer of the sport - playing more than 310 games at club level and twice being named the World's Best Netballer. She spent 16 seasons playing in New Zealand and Australia and played 175 times for her country, competing at six World Cups and six Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 2018 thanks to thefamous win over Australia. She joined the Rhinos for the 2024 season and, although she was unable to end on a winning note, received a warm reception at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham - which included being given a guard of honour after the game. "We probably haven't had the results or performances we wanted this season," she added. "But there is a brilliant culture here and it's pushing and building. "I wish them all the best for the future and I will be in the crowd cheering them on. "This is all a bit surreal but it is so nice to be playing in a big arena and good to be up against Forest, who have had a stellar first season and have grown into it."
Retiring Mentor upbeat about future of netball
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Geva Mentor Reflects on Retirement and Future of Netball"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Geva Mentor, a celebrated figure in the world of netball, has announced her retirement following her final game with the Leeds Rhinos in the Netball Super League. The 40-year-old played her last match against Nottingham Forest, concluding a remarkable career that spanned over 310 club games and included her representation of England in 175 international matches. Throughout her career, Mentor has been recognized as one of the sport's greats, having been named the World's Best Netballer twice and participating in six World Cups and Commonwealth Games. Her illustrious career was highlighted by a gold medal win in 2018, where her team famously triumphed over Australia. Despite not ending on a winning note, Mentor received a heartfelt farewell, including a guard of honour at the Motorpoint Arena, showcasing the respect and admiration she has garnered throughout her years in the sport.
In her reflections on retirement, Mentor expressed optimism about the future of netball, indicating that she is excited to witness the evolution of the game in the coming years. She pointed to the potential for growth and improvement within the sport, emphasizing the importance of developing netball into a product that can attract wider support. Mentor acknowledged the challenges faced by her team during the season but praised the positive culture within the Leeds Rhinos, expressing her belief in their potential for future success. As she transitions away from playing, Mentor plans to remain engaged with the sport as a supporter, ensuring that she continues to contribute to the netball community. Her legacy will undoubtedly influence the next generation of players, and her enthusiasm for the sport paints a promising picture for its development going forward.
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