The Suncorp Super Netball world is sending waves of love and support to Caitlin Bassett as the 36-year-old legend navigates a deeply emotional chapter in her life. Once the undisputed queen of Australian netball, the woman known simply as “The Shooter” has opened up about the mixed feelings surrounding her retirement — a career filled with unparalleled success, yet one she now looks back on with a heavy heart and quiet regret.
Caitlin Bassett was, for over a decade, the face of Australian netball. Towering at 1.96 metres with a shooting accuracy that bordered on the superhuman, she dominated the sport like few before her. From her explosive debut with the West Coast Fever to her iconic years with the Australian Diamonds, Bassett’s journey was nothing short of legendary. But behind the trophies, the records, and the roaring crowds was a woman who gave everything to the game — perhaps too much.
Born in 1989 in Queensland, Bassett first burst onto the national scene in 2008 when she joined the West Coast Fever. Her combination of height, athleticism, and deadly accuracy under pressure made her an instant star. By 2010, she had earned her first Australian Diamonds cap, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Bassett became the cornerstone of the Fever attack. She led the club in scoring for multiple seasons and was instrumental in their push toward the top of the Super Netball ladder. Her ability to score from almost any angle, combined with her leadership and work ethic, earned her the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
On the international stage, she shone even brighter. Bassett played a pivotal role in Australia’s silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and was a key member of the Diamonds team that won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She went on to become one of the most capped Diamonds shooters in history, helping Australia secure multiple World Cup and Commonwealth Games medals.
At her peak, Bassett was virtually unstoppable. In 2015, she was named the inaugural Super Netball MVP. She held the record for the most goals in a single Super Netball season and was consistently ranked among the world’s best goal shooters. Her rivalry with New Zealand’s Maria Folau became one of the great storylines in international netball.
The Cost of Greatness
Yet as Bassett reflects on her journey now, she admits the price she paid was heavier than many realised. The constant travel, the brutal physical toll on her body, and the immense mental pressure of being “the one” for both club and country began to wear her down.
In a recent emotional interview, Bassett spoke candidly about the sacrifices she made:
“I gave this sport everything I had from the age of 18. There were so many family moments I missed, so many nights I cried in hotel rooms because my body hurt so much, but I kept pushing because I didn’t want to let anyone down. Looking back, I sometimes wonder if I missed out on living a normal life. I achieved my dreams, but I lost parts of myself along the way.”
She particularly regrets how much time she spent away from loved ones. Bassett has spoken about missing birthdays, anniversaries, and important family milestones. The intense focus required to stay at the top meant she often put her personal happiness on hold. Now, at 36, she finds herself reflecting on a career that brought her fame and success but also left her with lingering physical pain and emotional exhaustion.
Her retirement in 2024 was not the fairytale ending many expected. Persistent ankle and knee injuries forced her to step away earlier than she had hoped. While she walked off the court as a champion, those closest to her say she has quietly battled feelings of emptiness and regret since hanging up her bib.
Despite the personal cost, Caitlin Bassett’s impact on netball cannot be overstated. She inspired a generation of young female athletes, particularly tall shooters who saw in her a path to the top. Her professionalism, work ethic, and sportsmanship set a standard that is still talked about in dressing rooms across Australia.
West Coast Fever honoured her with a heartfelt farewell season in 2024, retiring her famous No.2 guernsey in an emotional ceremony. Current Fever players still speak of her influence, with many crediting her mentorship for their development.
Off the court, Bassett has tried to find peace. She has become more involved in coaching youth programs and mental health advocacy for athletes, hoping to help the next generation avoid some of the struggles she faced.
Those who know Bassett best describe her as kind, humble, and deeply caring. Despite her superstar status, she always made time for fans and young players. Her quiet strength and resilience earned her admiration far beyond the netball community.
In her most recent public appearance, Bassett fought back tears as she addressed supporters:
“I gave this game my youth, my body, and so many precious moments with my family. There are days I miss the roar of the crowd so much it hurts. But I also know I pushed myself to limits that maybe I shouldn’t have. If I could go back, I would tell my younger self to enjoy the journey more and not be so hard on herself.”
Her words struck a chord with many retired athletes who understand the bittersweet nature of life after elite sport. The outpouring of love from fans, former teammates, and rivals has been overwhelming, with many sending messages of gratitude for the joy she brought to the sport.
As Caitlin Bassett turns the page on her playing career, she is focusing on new chapters — spending more time with family, exploring coaching opportunities, and continuing her work supporting mental health in sport. While she may never fully escape the pull of the court that defined her life for so long, she is learning to embrace life beyond the bib.
The netball world continues to celebrate her extraordinary achievements while respecting the personal journey she is now on. From record-breaking goal tallies to unforgettable moments in gold and black, Caitlin Bassett’s name will forever be etched in Australian sporting history.
Our thoughts remain with Caitlin during this reflective and emotional time. Thank you for the memories, for the goals, and for showing what true dedication looks like. You gave everything to the game — and the game will never forget you.