Katrina Gorry A Matildas hero's story of football, motherhood and breaking down barriers

by Gorry, Katrina

• ISBN13: 9781761472169
• ISBN10: 176147216X
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781761506376
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-09-09
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Summary

A Matilda's story of football, motherhood and breaking down barriers.


'This is a heartwarming book full to the brim with love of family, of friends, of football. Yet, we discover in its pages just how much courage it takes to be true to yourself and show that love in good times and bad.' The Hon. Julia Gillard AC

'Good things come in small packages... Katrina Gorry tells a story of resilience, of loss, of love and the unwavering determination to have the courage to carve your own path. Mini in name is not mini in heart.' Tara Rushton

'Katrina's sense of family and its importance is palpable in everything she says and does. . . a role model.' Australian Women's Weekly

Katrina Gorry was a key part of the Matildas' line-up that captured Australia's imagination during the 2023 women's Football World Cup. But the road to glory hasn't been an easy one. Just a few years before, she was struggling with an eating disorder and considering walking away from the game she loves and has played since she was six.

All that changed with her solo journey through IVF treatments and the birth of daughter Harper in 2021, which re-ignited Katrina's love for the game and gave her a new-found respect for her body. This is a story of resilience, of inspiration, of a 'gutsy' young girl setting goals and not only reaching them but exceeding them.
 

Author Biography

Katrina Gorry is a professional football player who made her debut for both the Matildas and W-League club Brisbane Roar in 2012. She made the leap overseas in 2014 to the US National Women's Soccer League's FC Kansas City. She has played in some of the best leagues around the world, including for Japan's Vegalta Sendai, Norway's Avaldsnes and Vittsjo¨ GIK in Sweden, expertly juggling football and motherhood following the birth of her daughter, Harper, in 2021, becoming the first player to have a baby while in our national football team.

Katrina, along with Harper and her partner, Clara Markstedt, then made the move to London, signing for West Ham United, where Katrina captains the team in the Women's Super League, with another mini Gorry in tow after the birth of their son, Koby.

Katrina was awarded 2014 AFC Women's Player of the Year and FFA Women's Player of the Year. She represented Australia in the 2015 FIFA World Cup, the 2016 Olympics, the 2014 and 2018 AFC Asian Cup, the 2019 World Cup and the immensely successful 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where she topped the table for the most tackles, as well as the 2024 Olympics.