Emma Michelle Kearney, born on the 24th of September, 1989, shines brightly in the Australian rules football universe. Not only does she dazzle on the football field, but she also made her mark in cricket.
This versatile athlete clinched the AFL Women’s (AFLW) league’s most prestigious accolade, the best and fairest award, in 2018.
Her journey took a captivating turn as she donned the captain’s hat for North Melbourne in 2019, demonstrating her leadership prowess.
Previously, Kearney showcased her cricketing skills with the Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and represented Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL).
Her transition from cricket to football underscores her exceptional athletic versatility and dedication.
Emma’s story is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and unmatched talent in the realm of Australian sports.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Dual-Sport Excellence: Emma Kearney excels in both Australian rules football and cricket, showcasing remarkable versatility and talent across two demanding sports.
- Leadership and Achievement: In 2018, she won the AFL Women's league's best and fairest award and was appointed captain of North Melbourne in 2019.
- Early Challenges: Kearney's early exclusion from a boys' football team fueled her determination to succeed in sports.
- Commitment to Education: Alongside her sports career, Kearney is a passionate physical education teacher, emphasizing the importance of education and community engagement in her life.
- Community Engagement: Through her role at The Huddle, Kearney merges her love for sports with a commitment to community service.
- Personal Life: Kearney and her partner, Kate Shierlaw, both professional footballers, share a supportive relationship, highlighting the power of companionship in the challenging world of sports.
- Advocacy for Athletes: Her outspoken stance on the dual-sport dilemma in 2016 sparked discussions on the need for flexibility and support for athletes in semi-professional leagues.
From the Countryside to the Field: Emma Kearney’s Early Beginnings
Born in the charming Victorian town of Hamilton, Emma Kearney grew up on a bustling sheep station in the nearby locale of Cavendish.
Throughout her childhood, football was her passion, playing every chance she got. However, at the tender age of twelve, she faced a setback.
The youth boys’ team, with whom she had played for years, no longer allowed her to join in. This did not deter her spirit; it only fueled her determination.
For her secondary education, Kearney attended Monivae College in Hamilton. Here, she not only excelled academically but also honed her leadership and teamwork skills, which would prove invaluable in her future sports career.
Life Beyond the Game: Emma Kearney’s Personal Journey
Apart from her impressive sports career, Emma Kearney has also made her mark as a dedicated physical education teacher.
She has inspired many young minds at Mount Alexander College in Flemington, sharing her love for sports and healthy living.
Kearney’s educational background is just as impressive, holding a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Ballarat University.
Her move to play football for North Melbourne was a significant milestone. Along with this transition, Kearney embraced the role of sport and recreation coordinator at The Huddle, the club’s community organization.
This position allowed her to merge her passion for sports with her commitment to community engagement.
Kearney’s personal life is filled with love and companionship, shared with her partner, Kate Shierlaw. Shierlaw, a fellow footballer, has not only played for Carlton but also captained St Kilda, making them a power couple in the world of Australian football.
Together, they navigate the challenges and triumphs of professional sports, supporting each other every step of the way.
Rising Star: Emma Kearney’s Cricket Journey
Emma Kearney made her mark playing grade cricket for the Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club, nestled in Melbourne’s vibrant inner-north.
Her talent shone brightly, leading to her selection for the Victorian Spirit in the 2013-14 season. Over four seasons, she graced the field in 20 WNCL matches, showcasing her skills and determination.
When the Melbourne Stars called her up for the inaugural WBBL season, she didn’t disappoint. In the 2015-16 season, Kearney clinched seven wickets across twelve matches.
The following year, she bettered her record, securing eight wickets in fourteen matches, all while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 5.27.
Her journey from a promising player to a seasoned pro highlights her relentless pursuit of excellence in cricket.
Emma Kearney and the Dual-Sport Dilemma
December 2016 brought Emma Kearney into the limelight, not just for her cricketing prowess but for a controversy that struck a chord with sports enthusiasts nationwide.
Kearney, a talented athlete juggling cricket and Australian Rules football, faced a tough decision. Cricket Australia presented her with documents that demanded cricket take precedence over AFL Women’s training during the overlapping seasons.
Kearney didn’t hold back, openly criticizing cricket officials for this move, especially given the semi-professional status of both leagues.
Her outspoken stance sparked a debate on the support and flexibility needed for athletes excelling in multiple sports, underlining the challenges of managing dual-sport careers in the modern sporting landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What sports does Emma Kearney play?
Emma Kearney shines as a dual-sport athlete, making her mark in both Australian rules football and cricket. She has played for the Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and represented Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) for cricket. In Australian rules football, she clinched the AFL Women’s league’s best and fairest award in 2018 and captained North Melbourne starting in 2019.
How did Emma Kearney begin her sports career?
Emma’s sports journey began in Hamilton, Victoria, where she grew up on a sheep station and developed a passion for football. Despite being excluded from the youth boys’ team at age twelve, her determination only grew stronger. She also showcased her cricketing skills early on, playing grade cricket for the Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club before making it to the professional leagues.
What roles does Emma Kearney hold off the field?
Beyond her sports career, Emma Kearney is a dedicated physical education teacher, having shared her expertise and love for sports at Mount Alexander College in Flemington. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Ballarat University and has worked as a sport and recreation coordinator at The Huddle, North Melbourne’s community organization. Kearney is deeply involved in promoting sports and healthy living among the youth.
