Laura Geitz

In some ways, being a professional athlete is a selfish lifestyle. Everything is focused on performance. For pretty much 12 months a year, life revolves …

When she was 12, Laura Geitz was nicknamed ‘Little Giraffe’ due to her height. She just wanted to blend in with the other girls her age.

Jemma Mi Mi is the only Indigenous player currently active in Super Netball. She says the talent is out there, but the players aren’t being seen.

‘I’ve wondered, ‘Why me? Surely the doctors have made a terrible mistake…’’ World Cup-bound Diamonds player Sarah Klau is determined to ensure her new reality won’t get in the way of reaching her potential in netball.

NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle was asked publicly what she thought of AFLW. She gave a respectful answer. Underneath, she realised the fight netball has on its hands.

Shortly after the NSW Swifts lost the 2015 grand final, Paige Hadley was told to check her email. The message contained good news. She had no idea how to take it.

A stray elbow from Romelda Aiken left Emily Mannix with more than a headache. Over the next half a season the Diamonds netballer discovered how serious concussion can be.

Sophie Garbin is being hailed as the next Diamonds goal shooter. This is her incredible journey from a tiny mining town in Western Australia to representing Australia at the Fast5 World Series.

Diamonds legends Laura Geitz and Sharni Layton are tough acts to follow. Courtney Bruce is giving it a red-hot crack, with a smile and green light from the coach.

She'll miss good times in the dressing rooms, but not a certain teammate's Celine Dion obsession. As Susan Pettitt looks back at a stellar 17-year netball career, this is what she will and won't be sad to leave behind.