When asked to meet Australian netball coach Lisa Alexander in her office, Laura Geitz admitted she thought the worst.
Their meeting did end in tears - of joy.
An emotional rollercoaster ride of a year continued for Geitz when Alexander told her she would be the next Diamonds captain.
"I had a text message saying `come to my office'," the Queensland Firebirds skipper said in Brisbane on Tuesday.
"That usually isn't a good thing but I couldn't get over there quick enough and was waiting in the room before Lisa got there.
"I didn't know what to expect."
But Geitz, 25, got "very emotional" for all the right reasons when Alexander revealed she would be taking over the national reins from the retired Natalie von Bertouch.
It realised a dream for Geitz barely three months after enduring her worst nightmare.
In May, her father Ross tragically died following an accident at her family's property at Allora on the Darling Downs, west of Brisbane.
A heartbroken Geitz regrouped to inspire Queensland's stunning surge to last month's trans-Tasman championship grand final which they lost 50-48 to von Bertouch's Adelaide Thunderbirds.
"I got very emotional (when named captain) especially with everything that had happened during the year losing dad," Geitz said.
"Dad always said if you get the chance to lead your state or country take it with both hands.
"He (his memory) helped me get through the Firebirds season leading the team so helpfully he will help me with this next challenge."
Geitz's first assignment is against world No.1 New Zealand in a five-Test series starting in Invercargill on September 15.
Two Tests against Malawi are also scheduled for October.
She will lead a new-look Diamonds outfit that will be without not only von Bertouch but also Catherine Cox (fatigue), Sharelle McMahon (retired) and Mo'onia Gerrard (rugby).
"It's a great time for new girls to step in," Geitz said.
"We are ready to take on the Kiwis.
"We have a lot to prove against them. I can't wait to get out on court."
Geitz - capped 35 times since her 2008 international debut - is only the second Queenslander to captain the Diamonds and first since Vicki Wilson in 1999.
Melbourne Vixens' Bianca Chatfield will be vice-captain for the Kiwi series dubbed the Constellation Cup, while Kim Green of the NSW Swifts is Geitz's deputy for the Tests against Malawi.
