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England netball captain Serena Guthrie is looking to return to Jersey after announcing that she is pregnant, and retiring from the game.
The 32-year-old islander said today that she is stepping down from all forms of international and elite domestic netball, but could take up a role in the sport in Jersey.
She and her fiancé, Bob Kersten, were engaged at Gorey Castle in 2019 and are tying the knot later this year, after the pandemic delayed marriage plans.
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She said: “Bob and I are thrilled to be expecting our first child together. Being a mum is an amazing new chapter in my life and I'm really excited about what that's going to bring to me.”
Miss Guthrie is regarded as one of the best mid-court players in the game and was won 110 senior England caps and led the team 28 times.
She has represented her country at three Vitality Netball World Cups and at two Commonwealth Games competitions.
Pictured: Serena Guthrie played 110 times for the England Vitality Roses and captained the side 28 times.
She has played her domestic netball in England, New Zealand and Australia during her long career and was a Superleague title winner with Team Bath Netball.
Jersey Netball Association President and Director of Coaching Linda Andrews, who has known Miss Guthrie since she was ten, said she was delighted for her.
“Yes, the game will be poorer without her but she is so special that you couldn’t begrudge her. I am so happy at the news,” she said. “It is a massive next step on the next stage of her life.”
Mrs Andrews said that she was keen for Miss Guthrie to get involved in Jersey netball when she returned to the island, as she hopes to do.
“It has been a privilege to be part of her journey all the way through.
"I know she told the England girls on Monday and Team Bath yesterday. It would have a massive shock and a delight to everybody at the same time.
“Yes, she will miss the Commonwealth Games at home this year, but we need to focus on everything she has achieved and be happy for her.”
It's been the most amazing ride. Thank you to everyone who has made my journey so special. It's not the end it's just the beggining for me. Can't wait to enter this new chapter of life.. the greatest adventures await???????? https://t.co/kxisGkRHYB
— Serena Guthrie - MBE (@serenabob) March 9, 2022
Pictured: Miss Guthrie shared the news with her Twitter followers today.
She added: “With Serena, it has always been about the environment she is in, the coaching staff and how they manage the team. It is why she moved to New Zealand - playing in the right environment, and helping to create it, has been a pivotal part of her career.”
Miss Guthrie was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for 2020 for services to netball.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure and honour to have been able to play netball domestically and internationally for so long, working and playing alongside the most incredible group of athletes and staff along the way,” she said in a statement.
“It’s been a real privilege to be the Vitality Roses captain for as long as I have and I want to thank everyone for their support in helping to make my journey in netball so special.”
Jess Thirlby, Vitality Roses Head Coach, said: “I’m overjoyed for both Serena, Bob and their families at the news of Serena’s 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."
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