The Unsung Heroes of Girls’ Sport

Behind every girl on the pitch, court, or field, there’s often a mum juggling a thousand things to make sure she gets there. At Hero Athletica, we know this story well—because one of our very own co-founders, Melissa, is living it every single week.

Melissa wears more hats than most: she’s the manager of her daughter’s Under 12 girls soccer team, a role that means she’s not just handling rosters, uniforms, and logistics, but also creating an environment where every girl feels supported and confident to play. She’s the mum who remembers water bottles, organises car pools, and still finds time to cheer the loudest on the sidelines.

But that’s only half of it. Melissa is also a player herself—competing for Subiaco FC in the women’s metro league in Perth, where she’s the team’s second highest goal scorer this season and was recognised as her club’s VIP last year. She knows firsthand what it means to chase your sporting passion, even as life fills up with family and business.

And then there’s her son. Training four days a week and playing on weekends, his schedule alone could be a full-time job. Melissa somehow finds the balance, showing up for him as a dedicated soccer mum, while still carving out time for her daughter, her team, and her own playing commitments.

It’s this unique mix—mum, manager, player, and cheerleader—that inspired much of what Hero Athletica stands for. Because Melissa isn’t just helping her own kids step onto the pitch with confidence—she’s part of a much bigger movement to help girls everywhere feel strong, included, and unstoppable in sport.

So next time you see a mum on the sideline with a clipboard in one hand and oranges in the other, remember: she’s not “just a mum.” She’s the heartbeat of the team, the quiet hero of the game, and the reason so many girls get to keep chasing their love of sport.