The Adelaide Thunderbirds have announced that star defender Layla Guscoth will not be returning to the club for the 2021 season.
The English international informed the club that she will instead return home to continue her career as a doctor.
“Being a full-time athlete has huge perks but as imports we are so restricted with our visas for what we can do outside of the sport, even in a voluntary role,” Guscoth said.
“Although we tried to explore options to allow me to do more medical work around training in Australia it was becoming more difficult especially with COVID-19.
“Given the ongoing pandemic, working in some capacity is something that I am keen to be able to do.”
Guscoth thanked the Thunderbirds and the South Australian netball community for the support during her two seasons with the club.
“I am very grateful to the Thunderbirds for the opportunity to play in SSN, it had never been something I thought that I would achieve,” Guscoth said.
“It was such a great group of girls that got on so well and I was honoured to represent them.
“I've met some great people on the court and off the court and would like to thank the whole SA netball community.”
Thunderbirds’ High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon thanked Layla for her commitment over the past two years.
“Layla has brought so much to our club over the past two seasons,” Bourdon said.
“She is a natural leader on and off the court and is incredibly well-respected amongst the playing group and staff.
“Although we are disappointed to see her go, we know how much her career means to her and we wish her all the best back in England.”
