The Queenstown international umpire has called time on her decorated career spanning nearly 10 years at the top of the game.
McLeod, who wrapped up her career at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, is proof you can chase your dreams from anywhere.
"Coming from a very small netball centre and being geographically isolated from strong games, I feel proud that I was still able to make it to the highest level in umpiring," McLeod said.
Across her career, McLeod controlled 31 National Netball League games and made her ANZ Premiership debut in 2017, going on to umpire 72 games.
She was given an international umpire award in 2023 and umpired the Pacific Games, the Fast5 Netball World Series and the Commonwealth Youth Fast5 Games in 2024, and the Youth World Cup earlier this year.
But it was off the court where McLeod found the most joy, helping the game develop — and in turn, it helped her grow.
"Netball is fast and exciting. To know you play an important part in helping players shine and fans enjoy the experience is amazing.
"Umpiring can have its challenges, and I realised I’m more resilient and tougher than I thought. I have an inner strength I didn’t fully appreciate."
Former New Zealand umpire and international umpire coach Colleen Bond, who is based
in Southland, took McLeod under her wing early in her career.
"Colleen’s unwavering belief in me made me believe in myself.
"Being able to tap into her knowledge has been invaluable," McLeod said.
Netball New Zealand technical officials manager Josh Bowring paid tribute to McLeod’s tenure on the course.
"Those who know Sasha have always seen this strength in the way she prepares, communicates and maintains the highest standards on and off the court," Bowring said.
"She has been a quiet but powerful leader within the national squad, modelling professionalism, humility and high-performance behaviours."
McLeod encouraged other umpires coming through the ranks to stay true to themselves and not compare themselves to others.
She will never be found far from the court and hoped to give back to the next crop coming up.
"I’m looking forward to having more time to help and inspire other umpires to be the best they can be."
