Before Barney the Geitz gold standard
LAURA Geitz has returned to the national netball team chasing not so much a PB but a BB – a Before Barney.
Her goal is to take her game to where it was before she gave birth to her son 12 months ago.
Such is Geitz’s towering status in the game she has been chosen as part of Australia’s squad for the April Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast despite being away from the international scene since 2015.
At times she has felt vulnerable, anxious and uncertain but the overwhelming emotion now is excitement.
“I want to go back to being what I was or even better than when I had Barney,’’ she said.
“I love a challenge and I am really excited by the opportunity of it. There were many times when I was doubtful that I would be in this position.’’
She has drawn comfort from the fact national coach Lisa Alexander, far from making a fuss over the decision, eased her stress by saying she was following a trail not blazing one.
“As Lisa said I am not the first mother to return to the game. Our assistant coach for the Diamonds, Margie Caldow, captained the 1978 Diamonds with two children.
“Lisa has not made this a big deal. Just take it in your stride. That has been a very calming influence.’’
Geitz took Barney into a training camp where she clinched her selection.
“Heading into camp I definitely had reservations about taking Barney and whether it would be a distraction but Lisa welcomed Barney and me and mum. who was the carer at that time, with open arms.
“The camp was a great thing. I was definitely very rusty in that first 15 minutes.
“I was hunched over sucking in the big ones at times. But that was just welcome back to being with the best in the business.
“It’s funny how quickly it does come back when you are around those incredible players. The timing and just being back on court. It is an infectious feeling.’’
As disciplined as she is Geitz admitted life as a young mother tested her routine.
“I thought I was a busy and organised person playing sport before the arrival of Barney but it is 10 fold.