Guthrie Retires After Announcing Pregnancy

Jersey netballer Serena Guthrie is retiring from the sport - after revealing that she's pregnant.

She'll welcome her first child with partner Bob later this year.

The 32-year old has had an illustrious career in the game.

She's represented England in the Netball World Cup and Commonwealth Games and played for some of the sport's biggest club sides.

The Jersey-born sports star captained the England Roses at the 2019 World Cup and won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

She revealed the big news through the England Netball social media pages.

"It's been an absolute pleasure and an honour to play netball at such a high level internationally and domestically for so long and I've made so many incredible memories and done so many incredible things throughout my career.

It's been a real privilege to be the captain for the England Roses for as long as I have and I'd just like to thank everybody that has been involved in my journey so far, but being a mum is also an amazing new chapter in my life as well and I'm really excited about what that's going to bring for me.

A message to the Netball Family from @serenabob 👇
#ThankYouSerena pic.twitter.com/Xc71rPWVdS

— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) March 9, 2022

I had planned to go on until August and then was planning to retire after this year's Commonwealth Games, but with this news, I have made the decision to bring my retirement forward and focus on what will be the next new chapter in my life.

This is a decision that's right for me, right for my family, and while it's a tough decision to make, it's 100% the right one for me and I know you'll support me in this decision."

Serena's success in the game led to her being made an MBE in the Queen's 2020 New Year's Honours List.

Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby told the England Netball website that she's overjoyed for Serena, Bob, and their families to hear news of her pregnancy.

"There is nothing more important in life than life itself and to be fortunate enough to begin the journey of parenthood is always such a special moment. Serena has long been a part of her own Vitality Roses family and has led them as captain in her own maternal way, invested in each and every person and wanting the best for them and out of them. 

As Serena embarks on the next chapter of her life she leaves her DNA across this exciting Vitality Roses team and in her own, very special way has helped to ready the team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.  

Not only is Serena one of the most well-respected netballers across the global landscape but she is much loved by the fans and her teammates and it has always been her character, charisma and free spirited outlook on life that has translated onto the court in how she performs which has drawn so many people into the game.  

Serena is the ultimate team player, always putting the needs of the team above herself. Whilst we will miss her hugely it is a time to celebrate all that Serena has contributed not only to the Vitality Roses but to the sport overall. Her legacy will continue to live on in generations of players to come, such is the impact she has had on and beyond the court. 

This Vitality Roses team, players and staff are buoyed by Serena’s news and it will inspire us all to continue to prepare meticulously for Birmingham and make the nation proud."