My earliest memory of UWA was participating in annual ballet performances at the Octagon theatre. From then on, I was committed to becoming part of the UWA community and completing my undergraduate course here. I have many fond memories of my time at UWA, including my time at St Georges College, participating in various Sport Science events and engagements with the Sport Science program.
Cathy's journey since UWA.
My journey since graduation has taken me to some unexpected places. I worked as a Unit Coordinator in the Athlete Pathway Program at Netball WA, before transitioning into an Operations Manager role at Event Health Management. Simultaneously, I was also a Board Director at the Perth Lions Netball Region and Co-Chair of the Young Alumni Network Committee at UWA.
I subsequently moved to Queensland, where I was introduced to the sport of Triathlon. I worked for Triathlon Queensland and Triathlon Australia in an Athlete and Coach Development role, which involved travelling throughout the East Coast delivering various triathlon programs. I recently moved back to Perth and have continued my Coach Development role with Triathlon Australia. I currently also work as a Project Officer at Cancer Council WA and Board Director at the Western Roar Netball Club.
My time at UWA has provided me with some invaluable connections, friendships and opportunities. I am incredibly grateful for what UWA has provided me and the doors it has opened.
What is your passion and how do you want to make a difference in the world?
My former and current roles, coupled with my varied work experience, demonstrate my passion for helping others. Enabling others to develop their own confidence and skills is something I find particularly rewarding. I would like to continue to give back to all the communities that have shaped me into the person I am today.
What has been the most interesting aspect of your career? Where can it go from here?
Working across Queensland and WA has given me an appreciation of the intense passion shared by everyone within various sporting groups and organisations, no matter where they are in Australia. Had I stayed in WA alone I would not have been given the opportunity to see the different challenges that sporting members and organisations face, as well as the ways in which they overcome these hurdles.
I hope to maintain my involvement in coach education. I believe that coaches are the sporting world’s best investment. Directing our efforts and resources into coaches leads to the ongoing development of athletes, as well as the improvement of the sport as a whole.