Member Spotlight: Lucy Griffin

From gymnastics floors to football fields, Lucy Griffin’s journey in sport is a story of resilience, passion, and leadership.

Today, she is the Head of Referees for Football in the ACT and Matchday Operations Manager for Canberra United in the A-League Women’s, but her roots in sport go way back. “I have been involved in sport since I was little. I started gymnastics when I was 6, didn’t start competing until 11 because I was scared!” she laughs.

“I also swam, danced, and played netball. But acrobatic gymnastics was always my first love. I was an athlete, coach, and judge. I retired at 19 but continued to judge and coach. I even performed and went on four international tours.”
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Never one to stay still, Lucy later discovered powerlifting. “I needed some competition back in my life and still do it now!”

Her career followed suit. After teaching at an all-boys school and coordinating sports programs, she moved to Canberra and stepped into sports administration, a move that changed everything. “I fell into football refereeing administration, and now I’m the Head of Referees for Football in the ACT.

I’ve also done two seasons as Matchday Operations Manager for Canberra United in the A-League Women’s.”

Why Sport Has Always Been Home

“Sport has been a constant in my life,” Lucy reflects. “It’s given me the most amazing experiences, taught me the value of the team, of hard work and consistency, and challenged me to be resilient in the face of adversity.

My love for sport has grown in all the positive benefits it brings for health, for communities, for the collective moments of excellence. The people I’ve met have seen every side of me. They’ve been there for the successes, pushed me through tears and setbacks, opened doors, and given me opportunities I never thought possible.”

Standout Moments That Shaped Her

Lucy says there are too many highlights to count, but a few stand out:

• Sharing Nationals with family: “So many of our family memories are tied up in gymnastics training and competitions. That time together is really special.”
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• Winning silver at Nationals: “I was Vice Captain of the NSW Acrobatics Team in my final year, won silver, and helped retain the Champion State Shield.”
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• A best friend for life: “I met my best friend through sport. She lifts me up, celebrates successes, and pushes me to keep fighting the good fight for women and girls.”
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• Delivering an elite refereeing camp: “It took six months of planning and an intense week of hard work, but seeing the group support one another and rise to the occasion reminded me why I do this. To create game-changing opportunities and use sport as a vehicle for growth, connection, and transformation.”
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From Athlete to Leader

Lucy’s leadership journey started early. “Acrobatics is a mixed-age sport, so I often looked after younger athletes on camps. I was NSW Team Vice Captain in 2012.

I also served on the NSW Acrobatics Sports Management Committee, the youngest member at the time, which taught me to be less afraid to use my voice and consider all perspectives.

She’s also been a Judge Educator, running entry-level judging courses and helping coaches improve routines. “These experiences taught me that it takes a team to do what we do. Sport is better when we lift each other up.”

Why Empowered to Lead?

When Lucy started her Head of Referees role, she knew leadership skills were critical. “The Empowered to Lead program was a no-brainer. Combining leadership with sport and a program built for women, it was everything I needed rolled into one and so much more than I expected."

What stood out most? “Every session had an ah-ha moment. Learning about the five dysfunctions of a team, the foundations for making people feel valued, and leadership as stewardship really resonated. And Holly’s leadership of the program was game-changing.”
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How the Program Changed Her Leadership

“The program helped me understand that leadership can take many forms. My style isn’t wrong because I’m not as outward as others.

The DISC profiling helped me appreciate my strengths, steadiness, organisation, positivity, and that they matter just as much as directness and assertiveness.”

She now uses those tools every day. “I’m not someone who likes confrontation, but understanding people’s motivations has helped me approach difficult conversations with confidence and empathy.”

Her Vision for the Future

Lucy wants more structured mentorship programs to support women in sport. “When girls see women who look like them succeeding and those women take time to invest in their growth, it builds confidence and belonging. We need spaces where women celebrate collective success. Sport teaches us the value of teamwork, and that spirit should carry into leadership.”

And personally? “I’m still lifting heavy things, embracing my strength and fan-girling over Ilona Maher!

I’m continuing to grow in my role, building community in refereeing, and creating a team culture that thrives. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
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What Does It Mean to Play Like a Girl?

“To me, it means being fierce, strong, unapologetically and authentically me, something I’m still practising. It’s being someone the little girl on the beam would be proud of, and reaching out a hand to other girls who want to do great things but are unsure of taking the first step. It means lifting each other up, because together we can make amazing change in sport.”

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Lucy, we’re so proud to have you as part of the Play Like a Girl community. Your story is a powerful example of leadership, resilience, and the impact of lifting others as you rise.

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