Scoring points for women’s basketball

GEORGIA McLean is a lawyer who brings a strong legal and governance perspective to Geelong United Basketball. She not only sits on the board, she is also the secretary, chair of the Pathways sub-committee, and is the GUB representative director for the WNBL team.

“My role generally involves attending board meetings, chairing sub-committee meetings, sometimes preparing board papers, being involved in strategic, financial and operational discussions and most importantly attending games as a spectator, where I am able to engage with key stakeholders and sponsors,” she says.

“My greatest achievement to date was being part of history when GUB, together with the owners, started the inaugural Geelong United WNBL team. The work undertaken by all was momentous and something to celebrate.”

As for the impact that women are having in the sports sector, Georgia says it is, quite simply, a positive one.

“More women are taking on key leadership roles resulting in pushing boundaries, respectfully challenging existing practices, and driving higher participation in sport,” she says.

For those looking to carve out a career in the sports sector or in a leadership role, Georgia’s advice is to try to reduce the feeling of imposter syndrome.

“Don’t be afraid to back yourself in and believe that you can make an impact,” she says.

Asked what International Women’s Day means to her, Georgia points to a day of recognition and reaffirmations.

“Recognition of what was, what is and what will be. And reaffirmation that we are making progress and will continue to do so,” she says.

Aside from being an active board member, Carly Luke also runs point on social media and marketing for the inaugural Geelong United WNBL team.

Carly has almost 20 years of experience working in brand communications, social media and public relations, and her role includes managing the team’s social media accounts, overseeing digital campaigns, collaborating with partners and leveraging analytics, as well as some player development and education.

“Social media has changed everything. Our attention is no longer contained within the 60-odd minutes of a basketball game – fans want to know about, and be part of, everything in and around it too,” she says.

As for her greatest achievement to date, Carly points to the pathway that Geelong United has created in the community.

“Geelong United has given a whole generation of young girls – including my daughter – the opportunity to be what they can see,” she says.

“The players have really embraced it too. You can see the way they connect with the fans after home games, it is always the biggest highlight for everyone.

“It’s my job to showcase this as much as possible and to continue to bridge the gap between these young girls and boys and their heroes.”

Carly says it has been encouraging to see the momentum that women have gained both in the sports sector and in leadership roles.

“We’ve all witnessed the (American player) Caitlin Clark effect. It has, and will continue, to change everything,” she says.

“The opportunities for athletes to build their own brand and enter the world of entrepreneurship, so that they have something solid to fall back on after their career is done, is very exciting.

 

“So many women are now founding and leading sports startups, focusing on everything from apparel brands to fitness technologies, creating new revenue streams and redefining the business landscape of sports.

“I’m also really proud of the female athletes leading social change moments and using their platforms to advocate for equality, diversity and gender equity in sports. Their activism is helping to reshape the industry and pushing for more opportunities for women at all levels.”

Carly’s advice to those looking to get into the sports sector or into a leadership role is to remember that life is all about relationships.

“I learnt very early that it’s relationships first,” she says. “You build and nurture those relationships, and business will follow.” For more on Geelong United’s WNBL team, head to geelongunitedbasketball.com.au/wnbl