What do you think?
Rate this book
Katrina Gorry: A Matildas hero's story of football, motherhood and breaking down barriers
A Matilda's story of football, motherhood and breaking down barriers.
'Katrina's book is a powerful testament to grit, endurance, and agility. It shows how perseverance, focus, and strong values lead to true success. A must-read for anyone seeking strength in themselves and those they love.' Cathy Freeman OAM
'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
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.
'This book is a valuable reminder that we never know what someone may be struggling through and kindness goes a long way. Mini has already inspired many, and reading her story gave me an even deeper admiration for the way she balances motherhood and football at the highest level.' Mary Fowler
'Katrina is an inspiration. Yes, obviously for her incredible athletic abilities, but for me what is even more inspiring is the way she unapologetically knows who she is, what she wants and then, goes after it. Even when it might not make sense to anyone else, or the path forward may seem unclear at first. A brilliant insight into one of Australia's best.' Libby Trickett OAM
'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's book is a powerful testament to grit, endurance, and agility. It shows how perseverance, focus, and strong values lead to true success. A must-read for anyone seeking strength in themselves and those they love.' Cathy Freeman OAM
'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
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.
'This book is a valuable reminder that we never know what someone may be struggling through and kindness goes a long way. Mini has already inspired many, and reading her story gave me an even deeper admiration for the way she balances motherhood and football at the highest level.' Mary Fowler
'Katrina is an inspiration. Yes, obviously for her incredible athletic abilities, but for me what is even more inspiring is the way she unapologetically knows who she is, what she wants and then, goes after it. Even when it might not make sense to anyone else, or the path forward may seem unclear at first. A brilliant insight into one of Australia's best.' Libby Trickett OAM
'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
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
9 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 29, 2025
I don’t normally read autobiographies, because much like my thoughts on some podcasts, I believe people don’t have enough going on to warrant a book being written about themselves. On this occasion, I was very wrong
Katrina’s journey through life is something that could deserve a whole book series. Some of the story’s told I still think about even though I finished reading the book weeks ago. The harsh realities of life but also its joys are so beautifully portrayed and at least for me, made me look at my own life differently.
And addition to the real depth this book goes in to, I also just think it’s so well written. The ability to talk about the games so succinctly but then also being able to reflect on not only her feelings but those of the people around her is truly spectacular
Would definitely recommend.
4.5/5
Katrina’s journey through life is something that could deserve a whole book series. Some of the story’s told I still think about even though I finished reading the book weeks ago. The harsh realities of life but also its joys are so beautifully portrayed and at least for me, made me look at my own life differently.
And addition to the real depth this book goes in to, I also just think it’s so well written. The ability to talk about the games so succinctly but then also being able to reflect on not only her feelings but those of the people around her is truly spectacular
Would definitely recommend.
4.5/5
July 29, 2025
Katrina Gorry is my favourite football player. Her tenacity, work ethic and strong morals puts her out in front. She spoke to some of these traits, however I hate to say it - this book was not well written at all. It was clunky and felt very narrative -esque and did not go into the depths of mental health, eating disorders and fertility enough. For those who are die hard football fans, you will enjoy the play by plays. I love Mini too much so even though I didn’t enjoy the style or content as much, glad to learn about her story.
September 27, 2025
Clearly I loved this book as I devoured it in a day. I’ve given it 3 stars because it’s not a book that will interest everyone. I have been following the Matildas closely since probably around 2017-18 and feel like I have watched players like Katrina Gorry grow as athletes and the Matildas as a team.
Gorry has been one of my favourite Matildas players due to her dogged determination on field, the way she never gives up and also how she supports her teammates, never just looking for personal glory. So I loved her authentic insights into life as an elite female footballer, about her sexuality and about becoming a mother at the height of her career. Gorry is a huge inspiration to me as a player and this autobiography has only strengthened that.
The reason this book is probably only going to interest football fans is because a big chunk of the book is spent recounting the big matches of her career in quite a bit of detail, which I loved, because I recall watching a lot of them and being there in the stadium for some of them, but this may not interest people who are here for the other stuff.
I also would have liked to hear more about her journey in coming out as gay, in light of growing up in a Christian family who attended church, as I think that would be interesting, but it’s not something Gorry is focused on in this book.
Gorry has been one of my favourite Matildas players due to her dogged determination on field, the way she never gives up and also how she supports her teammates, never just looking for personal glory. So I loved her authentic insights into life as an elite female footballer, about her sexuality and about becoming a mother at the height of her career. Gorry is a huge inspiration to me as a player and this autobiography has only strengthened that.
The reason this book is probably only going to interest football fans is because a big chunk of the book is spent recounting the big matches of her career in quite a bit of detail, which I loved, because I recall watching a lot of them and being there in the stadium for some of them, but this may not interest people who are here for the other stuff.
I also would have liked to hear more about her journey in coming out as gay, in light of growing up in a Christian family who attended church, as I think that would be interesting, but it’s not something Gorry is focused on in this book.
July 11, 2025
If you are looking for just another dramatic celebrity memoir, then this book isn't it. If you are a die-hard Aussie football fan, then it is perfect.
I enjoyed the way the book was written. It shared parts of Mini's life that I'm sure most fans didn't know, but at no point did I feel it was invasive into either her life or the life of someone mentioned.
It gave me a new respect for her not only as a professional athlete but also as a woman. Definitely worth the read.
I enjoyed the way the book was written. It shared parts of Mini's life that I'm sure most fans didn't know, but at no point did I feel it was invasive into either her life or the life of someone mentioned.
It gave me a new respect for her not only as a professional athlete but also as a woman. Definitely worth the read.
July 6, 2025
Better than I expected, but the writing wasn’t great. Learnt A LOT about football and now have an appreciation for the Matilda’s that I never knew much about. Bring on the Asian Cup 2026 💪🏽
December 9, 2025
Apparently all I read is football autobiographies 🤪
October 1, 2025
Admittedly I didn’t know a huge amount about Katrina prior to reading this other than she’s a mum and she plays soccer. It was a great book and a really interesting story about her life to date.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews