Hockey: Black Sticks goalie retires

New Zealand women's hockey goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit is quitting the sport to focus on her career.

The 30-year-old, who played 105 times for the Black Sticks over an eight-year international career, will forgo the lure of the London Olympics next year to complete her university degree.

"It's such a tough decision and the Olympics are a big carrot, but I'm in my final year of my law degree and I really want to finish that and start a career.

"I will miss playing test matches - that top level of competition is what drives you and is the most fun," said Jurgeleit.

Black Sticks coach Mark Hager praised the contribution of Jurgeleit, who went to the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and was a member of the team that brought home a silver medal from the New Delhi Commonwealth Games last year.

"Beth will be sorely missed from the team and at the London Olympics. She brought a huge amount of experience to the team, has been a key player and a real leader to the younger members of the team, both on and off the field," Hager said.

- NZPA