Australian Diamonds shooter Sophie Garbin has informed the NSW Swifts that she will not be returning to the club in 2022.
The 24-year-old, who joined the Swifts in 2018 and won two Premierships in her time in Sydney, has decided to take-up a contract elsewhere for next season’s Suncorp Super Netball competition.
After making her debut – against the Queensland Firebirds in Round 1, 2018 – Garbin went on to make 49 appearances for the Swifts. She took out the MVP Award in her very first game for the club after putting in a stellar performance against legendary defender Laura Geitz.
A key member of the Swifts’ Premiership successes in 2019 and 2021, Garbin said she would always cherish her time with the seven-time Premiers.
“It has been an honour to play for a club as prestigious and successful as the Swifts and I will be forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had since joining four years ago,” Garbin said.
“I have made many friends for life and a part of me will always be with this club.
“A lot of players don’t get the chance to win a Premiership and I’ve been lucky enough to win two in my time at the Swifts. That wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my Swifts teammates, coaches, club staff and members and fans; all of whom I will be eternally thankful for.
“The decision to leave has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make but I would like to thank everyone at the club, its supporters and Netball NSW for an amazing four years.”
Swifts head coach Briony Akle wished Garbin all the best for her next chapter.
“Sophie has been a pleasure to work with and while we are sad to see her go, we understand her decision,” Akle said.
“The nature of professional sport means that players always come and go, but Sophie leaves us with two titles and will always be known as a double-Premiership champion of the Swifts.
“This season was perhaps the hardest we’ve ever had in National League history but Sophie, as ever, was a consummate professional throughout and a wonderful person to have in the Swifts environment.
“On behalf of the club I would like to wish her all the best for what’s next and look forward to a great match-up next season.”
The Swifts will make more announcements regarding the club’s roster for next year in the coming days. Rosters for the 2022 season must be finalised by October 8.
