For Natasha Rooney, sport has always been about saying yes to new challenges. From growing up playing netball and soccer to representing Australia on the world stage in box lacrosse, her journey has been shaped by curiosity, courage and a desire to create more opportunities for others. Today, Natasha is not only an Australian representative athlete but also Vice President of Lacrosse NSW, where she is passionate about growing the game and creating stronger pathways for women and girls.
Natasha has always loved sport. Growing up, she tried almost everything she could, inspired by stories of women chasing their dreams through sport.
“I grew up playing netball and soccer and tried every sport I could,” she says. “I was inspired by movies like Bend It Like Beckham that showcased women playing sport and chasing their dreams.”
Everything changed when her local club introduced a women’s lacrosse team.
“I haven’t looked back since.”
The inclusive culture immediately stood out to her, creating a place where everyone could belong and simply be themselves. Then she discovered box lacrosse and found a whole new challenge.
“I was hooked. I had never been part of a sport where I had to be fit, fast, intelligent and strong.”
One of Natasha’s proudest achievements came in 2024 when she represented Australia at the inaugural Women’s World Box Lacrosse Championship in the United States.
The event marked a defining moment for women’s box lacrosse, with women competing at a world championship for the very first time. Playing against some of the greatest athletes in the world was an experience she will never forget.
“To be part of something so foundational to our sport is something I will cherish forever.”
The experience reinforced what can happen when women are given equal opportunities to compete, perform and lead.
Alongside her playing career, Natasha has continued to grow as a coach, administrator and leader. As Vice President of Lacrosse NSW, she has discovered that leadership is something anyone can develop with the right mindset and support.
“Leadership is a skill which can be learned and developed over time,” she says. “There are always people willing to help you, no matter where you are.”
That belief inspired her to join Play Like a Girl Australia’s Empowered to Lead program, wanting to strengthen her leadership skills while connecting with women who shared similar experiences.
She expected another professional development course, but instead found something much more personal and practical.
“The program took you on a journey, by first looking at yourself and then out to the wider ecosystem of leadership.”
Learning alongside women from different sports and backgrounds became one of the highlights of the experience.
“I loved learning with a group of inspirational women where we could openly share our ideas and experiences.”
Each week offered practical tools she could immediately apply to her work, coaching and everyday life.
“I loved being able to take something tangible from every session and use it straight away.”
One of the concepts Natasha continues to use every day is understanding the difference between operating above and below the line.
“If I’m feeling below the line, I can recognise it and find ways to get myself back to performing above the line.”
Whether she’s coaching, training, competing or working, this simple framework has become a valuable tool for managing challenges with greater awareness and intention.
Sport has also taught Natasha lessons that extend far beyond the field.
“It has taught me resilience, confidence and how to work for something bigger than myself.”
She believes the strongest teams are built around a shared purpose, where every individual contributes to something greater than themselves.
Natasha is passionate about continuing to grow both as a leader and as an advocate for lacrosse. She hopes to introduce more people to the sport that has given her so much while continuing to strengthen opportunities for women across every level of sport.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” she says.
For Natasha, greater visibility doesn’t stop with athletes. She wants to see more women coaching, leading organisations, working in media and shaping the future of sport in every capacity.
She also hopes to see continued investment in equipment and clothing designed specifically for women, making sport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
For Natasha, Play Like a Girl represents far more than participation.
“Playing like a girl means firstly having fun. It means being strong, unapologetic and taking up space. It means being visible, creative and challenging the status quo.”
Her story reminds us that leadership grows through courage, confidence and community. Every opportunity to step forward creates space for someone else to follow, and every woman who chooses to lead helps redefine what is possible for the next generation.
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