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At Play Like a Girl, we are passionate about sharing the incredible stories of our members, and today we are thrilled to highlight the journey of Charlotte Whinnen. Charlotte, a 32-year-old athlete from South Australia, has made significant contributions to the world of Lacrosse and continues to inspire those around her.
"I have been very fortunate to be part of multiple sporting teams as well as lead multiple teams," Charlotte shares. "For the last 18 years, I have been heavily involved in Lacrosse in South Australia and part of the Woodville Lacrosse Club." Her dedication and talent have led her to represent South Australia in Junior and Senior National Teams and be part of two Under-23 Australian Touring Teams.
Charlotte's passion for sport was deeply influenced by her family. "My parents were always in my corner," she recalls. "My Mum is an incredible soccer player, and my Dad has been heavily involved in SANFL football for nearly 30 years." Her big brother also played a significant role in her sports journey. "He landed on Lacrosse a year prior to me and said one day in a passing comment, 'You should give this a crack,' and so I did, and it stuck for both of us."
Recently, Charlotte has been part of the squad for the 2024 Australian Women’s Box Lacrosse team. "This is the first ever World Cup in this sport for women, held in Utica, New York, September 2024," she explains. "We had over 70 in the squad, which was just incredible for the sport and for all of us to strive to be the best we could to make the team." Being selected as one of the leaders by her peers has been a humbling and exciting experience for Charlotte.
One of Charlotte's fondest memories is receiving the phone call from the Head Coach, confirming her place in the Inaugural Australian Women’s Box Lacrosse Team. "The whole day I was nervous and felt so sick," she recalls. "When my phone rang, I had a sense of clarity and calmness come over me.
As soon as Chris advised I had made the team, the emotion overtook me, and I burst into tears. It has been a really challenging year as I ruptured my ACL in February 2023, so everything had built up over the year, and as soon as I heard 'You are in,' it all came out—the hard work, the emotion, the early mornings, the rehab. It's a moment I won't forget."
Charlotte discovered the Empowered to Lead course through social media. "I saw the course come up on an ad on Facebook and decided to click on the page," she says. "I couldn’t get enough of it. I was reading all these incredible stories about women in sport, women in leadership, and women who are just there to support other women. It was a no-brainer for me."
The course had a profound impact on Charlotte's personal growth and development. "I was part of an incredible group of women who all played different sports, were in different phases of their sporting careers, and had different roles such as players, coaches, and umpires. They all had a story, and I learned so much from them alone," she shares. The detailed content and interactive sessions provided her with various leadership tools and strategies applicable both in sport and life.
Two moments from the course left a lasting impact on Charlotte. "I really enjoyed diving into the Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing approach of leadership. I felt very connected to where we were as a leadership group and what we needed to achieve," she explains. Another powerful moment was the final session where participants presented their vision boards. "The call was very powerful, full of our group's successful moments, visions, and stories. Showing vulnerability is always challenging, and having everyone show that vulnerable side with people that were strangers six weeks before was very special to be part of."
Charlotte advises aspiring girls and women in sports and leadership roles to "be a sponge. Stay open-minded and recognize that there are so many avenues to learn and grow as a leader."
"To play like a girl means to play with pride, passion, purpose, power, and just play," Charlotte asserts.
Charlotte believes initiatives like Play Like a Girl are crucial. "We need to continue to showcase the shift in the thought process about women leading in sport," she explains. "Programs like Play Like a Girl are essential to ensuring there is constant education around the topic of women in sports, in leadership, and being a leader in women’s sport."
Charlotte hopes to see equal opportunities for girls and women worldwide. "There are no excuses anymore for sexism or for people to tell others they can’t do something because of their gender. Those in power who agree with change need to keep speaking up and continuing to fight the fight."
Thank you, Charlotte, for being a part of our community and for your dedication to the Empowered to Lead course. Your story is an inspiration, and we are excited to share it with others who may be motivated by your journey.
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