Vitality Rose Geva Mentor recognised in the New Year Honours list

The defender has enjoyed a year to remember after playing a pivotal role as the Vitality Roses claimed a historic gold medal in a one-goal thriller against the Australian Diamonds at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – her fifth Games representing England.

She then led her club team, Sunshine Coast Lightning, to a second straight Super Netball title in just their second year in existence.

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Netball has given me so many life skills, it gives me focus, it brings me pleasure and pain. It’s a habit I adore because of the incredible people you get to meet along the way that enable you to be the best version of yourself on & away from the court. I am beyond grateful for everything I have achieved. This year has certainly been amongst the best of them and to top it off perfectly by being awarded CBE, Commander of the British Empire for my services to the sport I love, I’m truly humbled. They don’t call it the Queens Honours list for nothing and I’m most definitely honoured. I know I did not achieve this on my own so thank you to all who have helped & guided me throughout the years. To all my club & country team mates, I’m inspired by you all. Thank you to my family who are always there for me wherever I am in the world and special mention to my mum Yvonne you are an amazing woman and my Mentor!! Lastly how awesome is this for netball, now to see more netballers recognised going forward. Exciting times ahead! #QueensHonoursList #CBE #Proud 🇬🇧

A post shared by Geva Mentor CBE (@gevamentor) on Dec 28, 2018 at 11:52pm PST

Mentor, who has won 135 caps for England, has enjoyed a stellar career to date after being selected in 2000 and debuting the following year against New Zealand at age 16.

Known for her athleticism, impeccable ability to read the play and relentless defence as an uncompromising competitor, she led the Super Netball league in deflections and defensive rebounds in 2018 and is consistently regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

A fan favourite and winner wherever she goes, Mentor’s other accomplishments include ANZ Championships with Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens, an SSN player of the year award in 2017, SSN goal keeper of the year awards in 2017 and 2018, Guardian World Netballer of the Year in 2014, Commonwealth bronze in 2006 and 2010 and two world championship bronze medals.

Down-to-earth and approachable, she is passionate about positively influencing and impacting the wider netball community and is a fantastic role model for players of all ages and abilities.

The CBE caps off a memorable 2018 for Mentor and follows a string of other accolades for the Vitality Roses with the team recently scoring two awards – Team of the Year and Greatest Sporting Moment – at the 65th BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

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The Vitality Roses will be back in action in January 2019 when they face Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the Vitality Netball International Series, as part of the Netball Quad Series!