Sasha Corbin to retire from playing

Saracens can confirm that captain Sasha Corbin will be retiring at the end of the season.

A netball icon and one of the greatest to ever don a Mavericks dress, Corbin will retire at the conclusion of the 2023 NSL season and Fast5 tournament, bringing to an end a glittering 18-year career, that has seen her captain Mavericks for ten of those.

Speaking about her decision to retire from the game, Corbin admitted that the timing felt right.

“I don’t know why but I always wanted to play netball until I turned 35. I know that’s not easy as a mid-court player, but it’s always been a goal of mine. I feel incredibly lucky to have reached this milestone. I feel fit, healthy & I’m enjoying my netball, but the timing feels absolutely perfect for me to hang up my netball dress & trainers. I’m so excited for the next chapter.”

Since making her Mavericks debut in 2005, Corbin has gone on to have a distinguished career at club and international level, including representing her country at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Reflecting on the decision to hang up the dress, Corbin was quick to stress how much she had enjoyed every moment of her career.

“I don’t want this to be a sad day, just a celebration of a career I could have only dreamed of. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, because I remember being the youngest in the Netball Super League in 2005. I’ve had the privilege of playing netball at the highest level internationally & domestically in the UK & New Zealand. Honestly the journey has been amazing!”

Corbin has again been a focal point for Mavericks this year, with Head Coach and former teammate Camilla Buchanan paying tribute to her Wing Attack.

“For as long as I’ve known Sasha, netball has been her driving force. For us at Mavericks and for the sport, it’s a sad time to be saying goodbye to someone who has been the face of the game for as long as I can remember. Playing alongside each other, to now having the privilege of coaching Sasha; it has been an absolute honour. She’s been a fantastic leader and her amazing energy is always able to lift the group. She is an incredible human on and off the court and I wish her all the best.”

Those thoughts were echoed by Saracens CEO Lucy Wray, ahead of Corbin’s final home fixture against Team Bath on Monday.

“Where do you start summing up the career of Sasha Corbin! What an electric player to watch but also an electric personality. The beaming smile and infectious positive energy that she exudes. It has been an unbelievable pleasure to get to know her and watch her play over the past few seasons since Saracens got involved with the Mavericks team. I know Sasha has an incredible bond with the club that goes back many years. We will make sure that she is always part of the Sarries Family.”

Saracens will be celebrating Sasha’s career across the next few weeks, as we mark her extraordinary career.