Passion and Perseverance – Georgia’s Journey
After graduating from Santa Maria College, Georgia Portlock, Class of 2020, has embarked on a journey that blends her passion for education and love of lacrosse. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education at Notre Dame University, she has balanced her studies with a successful athletic career, representing Western Australia and Australia in national and international lacrosse tournaments. In this blog, Georgia reflects on how her time at Santa Maria shaped her path, the unforgettable moments in her lacrosse career, and the invaluable experiences gained from competing on the world stage.
Since graduating from Santa Maria, I’ve been following a path shaped by my love for learning and sports. I am studying for a Bachelor of Secondary Education at Notre Dame University, aiming to graduate in mid-2025. Alongside my studies, my passion for lacrosse has taken centre stage. I’ve played for my club, East Fremantle Lacrosse, and represented Western Australia at national tournaments in 2023 and 2024.
How Santa Maria Shaped My Future
Santa Maria College played a significant role in guiding me towards a career in education. The teachers I had, especially during my ATAR courses in Years 11 and 12, inspired me to pursue teaching. Their passion, creativity, and ability to make learning engaging left a lasting impact on me. Now, I am driven by the hope that I can offer future students the same positive experiences and create a classroom where learning feels exciting.
Cherished Moments in Lacrosse
Lacrosse has also been a major part of my life. One of my most cherished memories in the sport came when I stood with my Australian teammates, singing the national anthem before our first game against Canada. It was a surreal moment, filled with pride and excitement, as we represented our country on the international stage.
My Lacrosse Journey
My lacrosse journey began when I was 14 years old. Living near my local club, I decided to try something new, and I was quickly hooked. Over time, I advanced through the junior ranks and into the senior competition. There are two main forms of lacrosse – field lacrosse, which is the traditional game, and the more recently introduced box lacrosse, a full-contact, indoor version of the game. With its intensity and physicality, box lacrosse has become my favourite, and it has been an incredible experience to compete at such a high level.
In 2023 and 2024, I had the opportunity to represent Western Australia at state tournaments, which led to my selection for the Australian team. In September, I competed in the inaugural Women’s Box Lacrosse World Championships in New York, an unforgettable experience.
Representing Australia on the World Stage
Representing Australia in the recent Women’s Box Lacrosse World Championships was a dream come true. The tournament, held in Canada, was filled with unforgettable moments. Competing in seven games over eight days, we reached the bronze medal match, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. Although we didn’t win, the experience was remarkable, and I formed lifelong friendships with my teammates. I hope to compete again in four years’ time, continuing this incredible journey.
As I look forward to what the future holds, both in teaching and lacrosse, I carry with me the lessons I learned at Santa Maria, knowing that anything is possible with passion, dedication, and the right support.
- alumni, Featured, Lacrosse, Resilience
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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