After five years of leading the Queensland Firebirds, Gabi Simpson has made the decision not to put herself forward as captain ahead of the 2022 season.
Simpson, one of the club’s longest-serving captains, took on the role from Laura Geitz in 2017 and has become a respected leader, adorned by teammates and fans alike.
The 28-year-old said she was incredibly proud to have led the club for as long as she did and leaves the role better for the experience.
“Captaining the Firebirds has been one of my greatest honours. I am unbelievably grateful for my five years in the role,” Simpson said.
“I have grown as a person, a leader and a player from my experiences and it has brought me so much joy spreading the heartbeat of the Firebirds throughout Queensland and Australia.
“It has been a huge part in building me into the person that I am.”
Simpson explained this offseason was the first time in eight years that she had a chance to stop and reflect on netball and life.
Although admitting it was hard to handover such an honour, the veteran Firebird said she was more than comfortable with the decision as she heads into her 10th season.
“I know the time is right,” the ever-reliable midcourter explained.
“I have loved giving my absolute heart, soul and energy to this club as captain for the past five years as I know no other way and it’s what the club deserves.
“Whoever steps into the role will bring a wonderful, fresh energy and drive and I will have an opportunity to follow their lead while redirecting a little bit of my energy to the areas that will help me feel the most energised and freest version of myself both on and off the court.
“I also know the time is right because this group is a bunch of passionate hungry players who are already leading the way.
Simpson has become a much-loved Birdie throughout her time as skipper, with the purple family of members putting their full support behind the fearless leader.
Along with the support of her teammates and the club, Simpson made special mention of knowing the members had her back during the good times and the tough times.
“Netball is an incredible community that can create a place where we all feel like we belong, riding the highs and lows together,” Simpson said.
“Our Firebirds fans remind me of that year in year out. The heartbeat of this club is like no other and it is an absolute honour to share that heartbeat with our fans.”
Queensland Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson said even after just one season as Simpson’s coach, she saw why Simpson was so highly regarded.
“Gabi has this amazing ability to take a broad outside view of the situation and really consider what effect it would have on the team, her empathy is second to none,” Anderson said.
“She is always striving to improve her game and turn up with her trademark intensity and passion to every session, which in turn encourages others to do the same.
As Simpson passes the baton onto the next captain or captains, Anderson paid homage to the 28-year-old and her efforts in leading the way for five years.
“Gabs has left (and will continue to do so) an incredible legacy on the Firebirds club, and I guarantee the purple family as well,” she said.
“Everyone you speak to who loves netball in Queensland, loves Gabi Simpson. Gabi is the ultimate professional and is such a great spokesperson for the Firebirds out in the community and on behalf of Netball Queensland.
“The players that experienced her captaincy over the years will attest to her amazing kindness and her will to put the players first in any decision making that occurred. She really embodies the Team First attitude that we love at this club.”
Simpson is fully committed to playing on with the Queensland Firebirds and will play a key role for the club in search of further success.
The club will announce its new leaders for the 2022 season in the coming days.
