The Footballer
Heather is a decorated Australian footballer who had a 15-year professional playing career.
Heather is a decorated Australian footballer who had a 15-year professional playing career, where her highlights were earning 130 caps for Australia’s national team, the Matildas, playing in 3 FIFA Womens World Cups, 2 Olympic Games and winning the Asian Football Confederation Cup.
During this time Heather played professionally all over the world, in Denmark, Norway and the USA and brings a truly global perspective to the leadership roles she holds today.
Heather is now a CEO, Board Director and a Football Analyst and commentator. She brings to these roles an entrepreneurial spirit mixed with an honest desire to make positive change in the world. She supports and builds teams who are encouraged to take risks, try new ideas and learn from mistakes.
The Wins
130 Caps for Matildas, Australia’s national team, 7 major trophies etc
Won Julie Dolan Medal in 2003
Vice President & Director, Football Coaches Australia, 201?- 201?
Contributed to the rescue of seven Afghanistani Olympic athletes in 2001 and a family in 2002, fleeing the Taliban to bringing them to safety and seeking asylum in Australia.
First woman analyst for Optus as part of their men’s UEFA Champions League Coverage in 2022.
Inducted into Football Australia's Hall of Fame in 2002.
Coached in the A-League All-Stars v Barcelona game, alongside Dwight Yorke and Robert Stanton.
“A lot of things happen in life and in business. You have to embrace the adversity, believe in the journey & stay positive. ”
Heather is passionate about the business of football and off-field learning and development for staff, coach and players. She provides data driven advisory services across the football ecosystem providing valuable insights on strategy formation and shaping policy to customised programs for staff, coach and player development.
She believes bridging the data gap (this is the gap between personal experience and systemic needs) can empower people working in football to make better and more informed decisions - creating safer, more inclusive and more sustainable businesses and communities.
““We can’t effectively tackle a problem we don’t fully understand, so my focus is on supporting football to put data at the centre of their decision making.””
TIMELINE – THE PLAYER
1988
Leppington Lions
Heather’s talent was identified early, attending the prestigious Westfields Sport High School in Sydney, NSW where along the way Heather earned accolades including XXXX
1995
Westfields Sports High School
Heather’s talent was identified early, attending the prestigious Westfields Sport High School in Sydney, NSW where along the way Heather earned accolades including XXXX
1997-2002
First Professional Club Marconi Stallions
Heather began her professional playing career in 1997 with the New South Wales Sapphires in the Australian Women's National Soccer League (WNSL) until 2002.
1999-2012
Matildas – Australia’s National Womens Team
Heather debuted for the Australian women's national team, the Matildas in 1999 and played in the team over the next 13-years at all major tournaments including FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games. She played a key role in the Matildas success and became a respected and influential figure in Australian women’s football.
2000 & 2004
Olympic Games
Heather proudly represented Australia in the Olympic Games two times in Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004).
2003, 2007 & 2011
FIFA Women’s World Cups
Heather also represented Australia at three FIFA Women's World Cups including scoring in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments.
2004 – 2009
Playing Internationally
Heather moved to Europe in 2004 and signed with Fortuna Hjørring, in Denmark spending two seasons with the team before transferring to Kolbotn IL in Norway for the 2006 season. The time in Europe helped her further develop her skills and gain valuable international playing experience. This led to being drafted to the USA National Women's Soccer League, in 2009, picked at #11 for the Chicago Red Stars.
2009 – 2012
Return to Australia
Heather finished her playing career in the W-League, playing for Sydney FC, the Western Sydney Wanderers, team won the 2011-2012 W-League Championship.