| Nic name (printable ones only) |
Kay |
Your early years
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| Where were you born? Where did you grow up? What schools did you go to? |
I was both born and raised in Canberra and I’m studying to be a primary school teacher at the University of Canberra. |
| Do you come from a soccer (or other sport) family or did you discover it? |
I discovered soccer through various mates in school and every where I would go I had a ball at my feet. |
| Where did you begin your soccer/sports career? |
My first NPL level club was the Monaro Panthers a U’16’s team in Canberra. |
| What position did you play? Why? |
I came to Monaro Panthers and they needed a defender so that is where I went and I’ve enjoyed playing in defence ever since. |
| What was the toughest or hardest thing you had to learn as a player? (eg to use my left foot, to keep my mouth shut, to retire?) |
The toughest thing about being a player is having parents or a coach or another player tell you different ways in which you should play the game. |
| Which clubs/comps etc have you played at? What was the highest level (please keep in mind many of us have no idea what the levels mean so explain)? Any big highlights? (Individual or team) |
I have played in the Pacific School Games in Adelaide representing the ACT for soccer in 2015 and I was also the captain of the team. |
| Do you/did you have a pre-match routine or superstition? |
Leading up to a match I have a set routine of heading kneeing, chesting and kicking a ball against a wall to get my touches up before the game as well as making sure I have a decent meal at least 1 hour before the game. |
| Did/do you play any other sports? Any big highlights? How does it inform how you coach? |
I’ve played multiple sports such as Oz tag, Ultimate Frisbee and Mountain bike riding and as a coach I know that players have other sporting commitments outside soccer and as a coach I don’t want to burn players out by pushing them too much as I know recovery is important for athletes who do multiple sports. |
| War injuries or niggles? Eg how many broken legs, noses, arms, chipped teeth, dodgy knees, shoulder rebuilds etc etc |
Small niggles of the knee every now and again but no serious injuries. |
| Where is home now? |
I’d say that Canberra is still my home just because I’ve got my whole family there and many close friends there. |
Your thoughts on coaching...
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| Which of your coach(es) (in any sport) had the greatest impact on you? Why? |
My first grade coach at my last club Lloyd Hewitt had a great impact on the way I think about the game just because he wanted us to play with the highest intensity and to the best of our ability 100% of the time. |
| Which coach(es) do you admire? Why? |
I’d say the best coaches that I’ve had are coaches that have played the game and know what it’s like to be a player. Not only that but the best coaches know their players both on and off the soccer pitch. |
| Are there any players you played with or against that stood out? Why? |
I have played a friendly match against the Canberra women’s team which gave me the opportunity to mark a striker who plays for the Womens national team (Matildas) Michelle Heyman when I was 18 years old. |
| Why are you a coach? What made you want to take on the challenge? Do you have a coaching philosophy? |
Since beginning my degree to be a primary school teacher I wanted to specialise in physical education and I’ve played soccer my whole life so teaching it just seemed like the perfect choice. My philosophy is one that I learnt through a fellow team mate back in Canberra which is “control the ball, control the game.” |
| What coach training, accreditation, licence etc have you completed (soccer and/or other sports)? |
No coaching qualifications but studying to be a primary school teacher! |
| What pushes your buttons? |
Losing the ball and walking back to defend. |
A little bit more about you
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| Which leagues and clubs do you follow? (EPL, AFL, NBL, international darts whatever) |
I wouldn’t say I follow any sport really but if I was to pick a soccer club I would have to say either Chelsea or Real Madrid. |
| Family? |
Family culture is a bit diverse my mum is from Ireland and my dad is from New Zealand and they met in Melbourne and they moved to Canberra and had myself and my younger sister Cara. |
| Pets? |
In Canberra I have two cats Bijoux and Conan. |
| When I’m not coaching I’m… |
Playing soccer, pool, riding my bike, playing board games or working. |
| My last dinner would be… |
Tuna Cannelloni |
| What are you aspirations for the GV Suns and soccer in the GV? Eg In five years time, GV Suns will …. |
To see a development program for players and growth of supporters following the GV suns. |
| Something else you want to share? |
I’d just to like to give huge thanks to all the support I’ve been given by parents, the club and other coaches - you have made my job easier and I will continue to enjoy working with you in the future. |
| Something we don’t know about you? |
I’ve got my advanced open water licence for scuba diving. |
| Do you have an inspiring quote or message? |
If you have any questions for me or just want to say hello don’t hesitate to ask - I’m more than happy to have a chat if you see me on match days. |
The video camera is out and ready to catch some of the action. 
U14s
