In many ways, ‘Gordy’ made one of the most pivotal decisions of her life at just 16, choosing to chase her netball dream at the Australian Institute of Sport instead of finishing school.
She was the youngest athlete at the time to receive a scholarship to AIS and still remembers talking to her parents about making the decision.
“That was the first moment I chose netball, and either it or I have chosen each other ever since,” she said.
Gordy’s influence on West Australian netball runs deep, including taking on the head coaching position for the Perth Orioles in 2007 before becoming the inaugural coach of Fever in 2008. She also held the General Manager – Performance and Pathway role and continues to be involved in her specialist coaching position.
Despite hailing from Victoria, Gordy very much considers herself a West Australian now after all her years living and working here.
“It’s been my stable home, to be honest West Coast Fever and Netball WA,” she said.
“I have been amongst it at various times in various roles and that experience has given me the confidence to be the contributor I am today.
“My role as General Manager, which was one I didn’t expect, is the one I’m most proud of because of the impact I was able to have.”
Given the nature of the internet these days, Gordy wasn’t sure if the original email notifying her of her possible selection was real.
“I actually had to look twice and it’s all very official,” she said.
“It was an initial email just to basically say to me that I was being considered for the award and to keep it confidential. So, I didn’t tell anyone.
“When I found out I had officially been awarded I was overwhelmed, nobody steps into life to achieve accolades and awards.”
Once her family and friends did find out, they were overjoyed and full of pride, support that has meant a great deal to her.
Gordy made her commitment to the netball at 14. The talented athlete was juggling both track and field and swimming as well.
For some, a passion can develop over time. For Gordy, she distinctly remembers the moment she fell in love with the sport that would go on to fulfil the rest of her life.
“I can vividly remember it, playing out at the Ashburton netball courts in Mount Waverley in Melbourne, Victoria,” she said.
“I was playing Goal Attack and it was early in the game and I went and took a mark, like an AFL mark on the back of this girl and I was called for contact immediately.
“I just remember the thrill of the moment, we won that game and I was celebrating with the team, and I just loved it.
“I was hook, line and sinker from there on.”
Despite some of her great mates Liz Ellis AO and Cath Cox AM already receiving King’s honours, Gordy is still getting used to the idea.
“I haven't quite got to putting the letters at the end of my name yet, I think that will come down the track.”
When asked what she would say to her 16-year-old self-making the pivotal choice to chase her dreams, she replied:
“You’ve chosen the right sport.”
Congratulations Gordy on a deserving and outstanding achievement. Your impact on netball in Western Australia cannot be understated.
