The 29-year-old is moving off court for a career with a new charity called Sporting Family Change, based in and around Bath, Bristol and north-east Somerset. Guthrie will assist and help social economic change for youngsters.
‘I’ll be giving a hand in a different way now,’ said Guthrie, who captained England to bronze at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool.
‘My playing career has been full-on since I was 16. I now need a break from it and so far it feels nice.
‘It’s super cool for my development as well, I’ve been working with other people already and it’s been a really good week so far.
‘I’ve still got my Legacy Netball business to run as well, so I’m going to be busy, I know – and I will still be in and around the game off court.
‘It was a hard decision to make, but I definitely needed a break and it will also give me time to focus on my wedding in Jersey, in June next year, as well.
‘It’s been a big ten years playing and I am going to miss it 100%, especially in the changing rooms and on all the trips.’
Guthrie made her decision to take a break from the Roses programme and the Vitality Netball Superleague, after extensive discussions with England Netball’s performance team.
Sara Syminton, England Netball’s performance director, said: ‘We fully support Serena’s decision to take some time away from the Roses programme in 19/20 and for the next Superleague season.
‘She has been a vital part of the Vitality Roses cohort since 2009 and more recently successfully captained the team to the podium at the Vitality Netball World Cup, so it will be sad not to see her in action with the Roses in the immediate future.
‘However, we know it’s important to always put the players’ needs at the forefront of everything we do and understand Serena’s desire to take an extended break and recover for a year.
‘This is by no means a retirement announcement for Serena, she is just taking some time away.
‘We completely respect her wishes and hope to see her back on the court soon.’
Guthrie, who has won three World Cup bronze medals and Commonwealth Games gold last year, is one of four nominees for the Jersey Sport Awards’ Accuro Sporting Performance of the Year.
