Netball Super League | Jo Trip retires from netball after glistening 12-year career

Jo Trip of Saracens Mavericks during the Vitality Super League match between Surrey Storm and Saracens Mavericks at Studio 001, Wakefield, England on 14th January 2021.

After a successful elite career that has spanned more than a decade, Saracens Mavericks’ Jo Trip will be retiring from netball and subsequently leaving the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) at the end of this season.

Trip started her career in her native New Zealand, where she had spent four seasons playing for Mainland Tactix and two at Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.

The defender also represented her country at U21 level and New Zealand A before relocating 11,000 miles to join Loughborough Lightning in the VNSL, spending two seasons with the Leicestershire outfit after signing in 2015.

Trip then made a move to Surrey Storm in 2018 after representing the side at the Fast5 All-Stars Championships. A year later, ahead of the 2019 season, she joined Hertfordshire-based Saracens Mavericks where she has been an integral member of the VNSL squad and active part of the wider Mavericks family.

The 30-year-old arguably hit her best form for Mavericks and made the Vitality Netball Superleague All Star VII in 2019 due to her flawless performances at goal defence. This season she had led in deflections (43) and turnovers (46) for Mavs.

“After 12 seasons playing at the top level, it has come time for me to hang up my shoes and step away from the netball court. This decision hasn’t been an easy one but it’s time for me to explore life outside netball and see what it holds,” said Trip.

“I would like to sincerely thank my friends and family, the coaches, management, support staff, teammates and fans that have supported me throughout my career both in New Zealand and in the UK. It has been one full of many challenges; highs and lows; laughter and tears and I am so grateful to be leaving with some great memories and great friendships!”

Saracens Mavericks’ Director of Netball, Kat Ratnapala, said: “Jo has been a huge part of our franchise and will be massively missed by players, staff and fans alike. She built relationships and friendships to last a lifetime and I’m so pleased we were a part of her journey and memories.”

Trip will play her final game against Surrey Storm on Sunday June 20. Recently, Storm’s Karyn Bailey announced she too would be retiring from the sport.

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