How I Got Here: football commentator and retired Australian soccer player Grace Gill
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Admit it, we’ve all been there—deep dive stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you wanted to know about the secrets of career success.
Here, we hit retired Australian soccer player and football commentator Grace Gill with the hard questions about how she got here.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Grace Gill. A former footballer turned commentator. Public servant. Mum to Golden Retriever, Kevin. The last point the most important.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
Honestly, no. Commentary, media and broadcast were never part of my five year plan (I definitely don’t have a five year plan). I’ve found my way through a career in the public service while playing football and held onto opportunities afforded to me as an athlete. Fast forward to today and my career is talking about a sport I love dearly that has shaped so much of my journey.
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
I was thrown into an opportunity to co-commentate a game in Canberra. At the time I didn’t think it would become a fully fledged career, nor did I think that was possible. As I continue to find my way in the commentary and media world, it’s increasingly obvious that there’s such an opportunity for women to have more presence in this space, as commentators, pundits and analysts. This has definitely helped drive the importance behind the work I’m doing.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
Years ago my Mum shared with me and my sister a print out of a Leunig cartoon that had the words “These circumstances will change. This situation will pass”—an adaptation of the saying “in time this too shall pass”. I still have the print out on my fridge today.
What was your biggest break?
I’d have to say my biggest break is my upcoming role working on the FIFA Women’s World Cup. A World Cup is the pinnacle of football—let alone one hosted in Australia and New Zealand. That said, had I not been given the opportunity to work on the men’s and women’s domestic league here in Australia, the A-Leagues, that I wouldn’t have near the level of experience and exposure I have from that role. I’m mindful that my big break is an accumulation of lots of little breaks along the way.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s hard to pick just one as I’ve had some gems of advice over the years depending on specific situations. But to find your true north and be guided by that is one that can change and adapt, just as life does.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
I love staying connected to the game and seeing girls who I grew up with and played against perform on the world stage. I love working alongside exceptional people in the industry and learning from each other. I love the nervous energy in build up to games, calls and bringing a game to life through commentary. I love being part of a shift in the narrative of women commentating on sport. Any industry comes with its challenges—I’m still learning which of those challenges has made me want to pull my hair out, and which I let go through to the keeper. Mind the pun.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
I listen to podcasts, read articles, watch games, re-watch games, listen to commentary, absorb and consume as much as I feel I need to. Then I make sure I have days where I don’t think about or consume any football related content—which I think is just as important.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years time another Women’s World Cup will have come and gone. While I don’t have a five year plan, I hope that at that time I can look back on this World Cup as a turning point for not only women’s football in Australia and the Matildas, but also a turning point in women’s commentary at major tournaments. And of course I’d love to play a major part in that.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
My footsteps mightn’t quite work for others and that’s okay. But if people want to work in the world of commentary and media, then ask questions, be curious, work hard and be kind to people along the way.
What advice would you give your past self?
Just to back myself. Do the thing, go for the opportunity, give it a go, whatever ‘it’ may be. You don’t know where these opportunities could land you.
