From Country Fields to Coaching Fields: Championing Women’s Football at Figtree
As Female Football Week 2025 shines a spotlight on the power of women in the game, few stories reflect the spirit of the celebration like that of a former NSW country star turned coach and mentor at Figtree Football Club.
Growing up in the rural town of Cootamundra, she first laced up her boots at age six. Back then, it was mixed football until her teenage years, where her talent quickly stood out. Representing the South West Slopes region, she helped her side to three consecutive Champion of Champions titles. By Year 7, she had already earned a spot on the NSW Country team, competing against the best players across Australia.
By age 14, her journey took her to Canberra to join the Monaro Panthers in the Premier League. She remained a top-flight player until 2021, later joining the Wagga City Wanderers in the Canberra WPL and even representing the ACT in national competition. Her passion for the game was unwavering—even through multiple moves across NSW and ACT, including her recent relocation to Wollongong in 2023 for work.
It was at a local Figtree men’s round robin where fate intervened—meeting the then Women’s Vice President, she was offered a coaching opportunity with the club’s Over 30s Division 2 women’s team. “I wasn’t playing at the time due to injuries, so I thought—why not? It was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she said.
What followed was more than just a coaching role. “I met an amazing group of women who supported me through injury, recovery from appendix surgery, and settling into a new community,” she shared. “They made me realise how powerful the bonds in women’s football can be.”
Under her guidance, the team—affectionately known as Firestorm—defied expectations and reached the semi-finals. Many of the players were either new to football or returning after a decade-long break. “Watching them rediscover or fall in love with the sport was such a rewarding experience,” she said.
In 2025, her role at Figtree has grown even further. She now coaches the O30’s Div 2 team again, leads the revival of an All Age women’s team aimed at bridging pathways for junior girls, and has taken on the position of Women’s Vice President—pushing for more inclusive structures and opportunities within the club. On top of that, she supports the All Age 1 Men’s squad as First Grade manager and Second Grade assistant coach.
But for her, it’s more than just logistics and tactics. It’s about changing culture.
“I’ve played in environments that weren’t always supportive,” she reflects. “That’s why I insist on creating a positive and safe space where women can thrive—where new players aren’t afraid to ask questions, where improvement is celebrated no matter how small, and where we leave the ‘what ifs’ behind and focus on learning and growing.”
Her coaching mantra? One word: Recycle. “It’s a term my players hear a lot. It’s about thinking smart—recycling the ball, resetting, and maintaining control. It applies to life too.”
Having completed her C Diploma in coaching, she believes the experience is shaping her both as a coach and future player—hoping to return to the WPL herself.
And her message to new players or aspiring female coaches? “Just do it. Try it. Football can be your escape, your joy, your challenge. When you find the right team and coach, you’ll never look back. Believe in your ability—you’ll be amazed what you can do.”
Her vision for women’s coaching in 2025 is clear: dedicated leadership, inclusive culture, skill development, professionalism, and joy. “Whether it’s TikTok challenges at training, sharing inside jokes, or just showing up with purpose—we’re building something special.”
In every role she’s taken—player, coach, leader—her passion for football and for empowering women has been undeniable. And for the next generation of girls and women stepping onto the pitch, she’s already paved the way.
