Netball icon Geva Mentor has officially retired after a stellar career, but her enthusiasm for the sport remains undiminished. The 40-year-old played her final game for Leeds Rhinos in the Netball Super League, ending with an 80-61 defeat against Nottingham Forest. Despite the loss, Mentor's legacy and her vision for netball's future continue to inspire.

A Trailblazer's Journey

Mentor, a former England international, has been a trailblazer in netball, amassing over 310 club-level games and twice being named the World's Best Netballer. Her career spanned 16 seasons in New Zealand and Australia, and she represented England 175 times, competing in six World Cups and six Commonwealth Games. Her crowning achievement came in 2018 when England triumphed over Australia to win gold.

The Future of Netball

Mentor is optimistic about the sport's trajectory. "I'm excited to see where netball goes over the next few years," she told BBC Sport. "We are looking at the improvement of the game and making it a real product that everyone can get behind." The Netball Super League is transitioning towards a fully professional model, a process expected to take a decade. Currently, most players juggle netball with other jobs, but significant pay rises this season mark the beginning of this transformation.

A Warm Farewell

Mentor joined Leeds Rhinos for the 2024 season and, although the team didn't achieve the desired results, she received a heartfelt send-off at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. Post-match, she was honored with a guard of honor, a testament to her impact on the sport. "There is a brilliant culture here," Mentor said. "I wish them all the best for the future, and I will be in the crowd cheering them on."

Reflecting on the Season

Despite the challenges, Mentor remained positive. "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," she reflected. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her influence on netball will undoubtedly continue to shape its future.

For more insights and reactions, watch the full game and post-match analysis: Netball Super League - Nottingham Forest v Leeds Rhinos.