As we continue our second season of the AFLW, we bring you our a profile series On the mark, presented by Bing Lee where we meet our AFLW team and find out what makes them tick.
Stay tuned to sydneyswans.com.au/aflw for all the latest interviews and AFLW news.
For Kate Reynolds there were two phone calls that changed her life. The first from Bronwyn Gulden who invited the ruck to play with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy during Reynold’s short break from footy. The other came from Scott Gowans when she secured a last-minute position with the inaugural Sydney Swans AFLW side.
Whilst juggling a successful career in media, injury and the demands of professional sport, the 26-year-old has learnt a lot about resilience since she signed in 2022. Here she discusses the series of sliding doors that led her to the Swans and her admiration for Sam Kerr.
At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“My career came from a bit of opportunity and good timing. I got signed as a replacement player in 2022. I was a train on and had years off with COVID. I played in Queensland and was almost picked up a couple of times. I decided to focus on my other career working at Channel Nine. On one Friday night randomly, I was messaged by someone who said, ‘We’re low on numbers, can you play an Academy game’. I was asked to keep playing, then I got picked up by the Swans. This happened from a running of sliding doors.”
Who do you credit for your success?
“A few different people. I would say my parents for their support and having the opinion and attitude that you can do anything you want. As well as a few coaches.”
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“With footy, resilience. Last year coming in really late it happened really quickly, and then not getting picked for games. Having to pick yourself back up and the other around you back up.”
Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“The most defining moment was that Sunday morning phone call from Scott Gowans, sitting in the Woolworths car park. He called me and asked if I wanted a spot on the team.
If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I’d say just the other half of my life with a media career. I always wanted to play professional sport, because my Dad played professionally. If AFL hadn’t come up when I was younger, I would have gone down another sporting pathway – netball or basketball.”
What are you most grateful for?
“I would say my up bringing. I had a very worldly, privileged upbringing that I’m very aware of and using it to lift other people up and help guide other people.”
What is your most controversial opinion?
“Cancel culture is damaging. There’s a place for it but it’s not restorative or productive.”
Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“I definitely have to roll out at home and have everything packed. I’m a big, have everything for every type of situation type person.”
In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“My height, my physicality and I’d also say my leadership and empathy and ability to develop relationships.”
Who is your sports hero?
“Sam Kerr. I’ve been reading her book. She just gets it done, she’s so impressive and is just no fuss.”
