Laura Geitz
Goal keeper Laura Geitz last night added the sport’s top individual honour, the Liz Ellis Diamond, to her ensemble successes with the world champion national team and ANZ Championship-winning Queensland Firebirds at the Australian netball awards dinner in Melbourne.
Geitz, 24, became the third defender in four years to earn the grand prize – a one-carat diamond and $5000 cheque – following Mo’onia Gerrard in 2008 and Julie Corletto in 2009. Centre Natalie von Bertouch provided the only midcourt moment in 2010.
The Firebirds star was also named Australian player of the year in the trans-Tasman league for her contribution to Queensland’s debut title. At the July world titles in Singapore, Geitz was called from the bench at half-time in the final against New Zealand and played a key role in an Australian recovery that led to a dramatic one-goal overtime win and successful title defence.
- Read the rest at The Age.
2011 Australian Netball Award winners
- Liz Ellis Diamond: Laura Geitz
- International Player of the Year: Kimberlee Green
- Australian ANZ Championship player of the year: Laura Geitz, Queensland Firebirds
- New Idea Favourite Diamond: Catherine Cox
- Australian Netball League Player of the Year: Karyn Bailey, Victoria Fury
- Australian 21/U Player of the Year: April Letton
- Australian Sports Commission Coach of the Year: Roselee Jencke, Firebirds
- Lorraine Lea Linen Umpire of the Year: Sharon Kelly
- All Australian Umpire Awards: Diana Toppi, Tara Warner
- Tanya Denver Media Award: Warren Partland, The Adelaide Advertiser
- Service Awards: Amanda Lulham (Journalist News Ltd), Linda Pearce (Journalist Fairfax Media)
- Hall of Fame Inductees: Liz Ellis, Julie Francou
Via the SMH.
Top award shocks mum and dad
Juanita Geitz, who accompanied her daughter to the night of nights in Melbourne on Saturday, is still shocked by Laura’s win.
“It was very special for Laura to win the highest individual honour in Australian netball,” Mrs Geitz said.
“Laura was even surprised to be one of the four nominations for the award.
“I have the envelope with Laura’s name on it. I will treasure it forever,” Mrs Geitz said.
Laura celebrated her 24th birthday two weeks ago.
Mrs Geitz recalls her daughter’s debut for Australia a couple of days before her 21st birthday.
On Saturday night, Mrs Geitz rang her husband Ross after Laura won the ANZ Championship award.
“The Liz Ellis Diamond was presented later in the night and I rang Ross and woke him up,” she said.
“He was surprised. It was one of her dreams but not expected.
“It was special for Laura to be presented with the award by Liz as they are both goalkeepers.”
The highest individual honour in Australian netball is named after Liz Ellis, a former captain and most capped Australian player of all-time, who was on hand to present Geitz with a $5000 cheque and the superb one carat diamond from Michael Wilson Jewellers.
Geitz continues a defenders’ dominance of the award, becoming the third to take home the coveted prize (Mo’onia Gerrard ’08, Julie Corletto ’09).
Laura’s career highlights
- 2003 – First represented Queensland at 17 and under level.
- 2005 – Junior world championship bronze in Florida.
- 2008 – Debut for Australian Diamonds against England in Newcastle.
- 2010 – Commonwealth Games silver medal in Delhi.
- 2011 – On-court leader as Queensland Firebirds win ANZ Championship with unbeaten season.
- 2011 – World championship gold medal in Singapore.
- 2011 – ANZ Championship Player of the Year.
- 2011 – Liz Ellis Diamond winner.
