Simmons began her career with West Coast Fever in 2012, before crossing to the Queensland Firebirds for two seasons and the 2015 National League Premiership. She returned to Fever in 2016 and her stellar performances led to her international debut in 2021.
She was an integral member of West Coast Fever’s maiden premiership in 2022. Last season she played her 150th National League Game and was voted by the Green Army as their People’s Choice Award Winner at the Stacey Marinkovich Medal.
Simmons said: “I’ve made this decision because my heart isn’t in it 100 per cent anymore.
“At the top level, you need to be all in, at all times. Personally, I think it would be selfish of me to continue my netball journey with West Coast Fever, when there will no doubt be someone else itching to take my place.
“I will miss this great Club, this amazing team and the incredible Green Army more than I can put into words, but I know this is the right decision.
“I’m looking at it as not retired, more like 11 years not out.”
West Coast Fever Head Coach Dan Ryan said Simmons left no stone unturned in chasing her netball dreams.
"No one epitomises team spirit and competitive grit better than our Vez and the legacy she leaves behind in the green dress will help to drive the future of West Coast Fever. Her work ethic was unrivalled and her ability to dig deep in the face of adversity was so inspiring. Those traits were complemented with great humility, infectious positivity and a touch of grace in everything she did. That’s a legacy to be proud of!
“She’s been an absolute joy to coach and really is everything you want in a professional athlete and teammate. But above all that, as a person, she is just a pleasure to be around, one of a kind and genuinely a champion human being that has inspired us all in many different ways.
“Her coaches love her, her teammates love her and the Green Army simply adore her. She will be missed by all of us, but we can all be grateful for the years spent with her and being a part of her action-packed netball journey.
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and, on behalf of the Club and the Green Army, we thank Vez for her dedication to West Coast Fever.”
