I grew up in Newcastle, and from a young age, hockey wasn’t just a sport, it was part of who I was. It gave me direction, purpose and a drive that shaped my life. That drive eventually led me to the incredible honour of representing Australia as a Hockeyroo. I poured everything into my training, and in 1996, I stood alongside my teammates in Atlanta as we won Olympic gold. Hearing the national anthem from the top of the podium is something I’ll never forget.

My journey continued with a World Cup win in 1998, four Champions Trophy titles, and Commonwealth Games gold in Kuala Lumpur. Those years taught me discipline, connection and pride and shaped some of the most defining chapters of my life.

When my playing career came to an end, I didn’t see it as a loss. I saw it as a shift. The lessons from elite sport to resilience, focus and leadership helped me step into the next phase of my life with confidence. Today, I work as the Wellbeing and Engagement Manager at Surfing Australia, supporting athletes as they navigate the highs and lows of performance and life beyond it. It means a lot to me to help others thrive in their own way.

To honour my journey from athlete to coach, I partnered with Nadine from Design Bay Jewellery to create a ring that tells my story. It’s not just about celebrating the wins, but also the grit, the growth and the moments that tested me.

The rough texture of the sapphires reminds me that our strength is often forged in unpolished, imperfect moments. The hammered finish on the band reflects the path I’ve walked—challenging, raw, yet rich with meaning. The engraved line marks the shift from one life stage to another.

Inscribed inside the ring is the word GRACE. That word grounds me. It’s how I try to move through life now—with strength, humility and purpose.

This ring is more than a piece of jewellery; it is a piece of me. It reminds me of where I’ve been, who I’ve become and all that is still to come.