Softball president leading diversity and inclusion on and off the field

Kat Gourley, 3-term President of the Melbourne University Softball Club (MUSC), has been awarded the Melbourne Softball Association’s Duyvestyn Service Award in 2022 in recognition of the marked impact she has made within the inclusivity and diversity sphere.

The service award is named in acknowledgement of the Duyvestyn Family’s contributions towards the Melbourne Softball Association over the past 50 years. Kat was celebrated for displaying the attributes of both volunteerism and leadership during her time as president.

“In my opinion, the role of leadership in the context of a sporting club is defined by a sense of responsibility…You need to be in the role to give back rather than for your own benefit, you must be able to act in the best interests of your members, and at the end of the day you are in the position to get things done”.

One of Kat’s first initiatives towards improving MUSC’s level of diversity and inclusivity was the establishment of a club specific Inclusion Policy and the introduction of what is now the Club’s annual Pride Cup; the Pride Cup serves as an opportunity to celebrate the role and presence of LGBTQI+ individuals within the Club and highlights MUSC’s continued focus on offering an inclusive and safe space for people of all identities and expressions.

As Kat explained, “this was the first Softball Pride Cup to be held in Australia and was a wonderful night of celebration of the members of the LGBTQI+ community who were part of MUSC”.

Kat and MUSC’s efforts were also recognised through their nomination for the Community Sport Award last year at the 2021 Pride in Sport Awards.

Through Kat’s leadership MUSC has established itself as a thought leader for sporting and other community clubs throughout Melbourne. Kat discussed her take on the importance of change amongst a broader spectrum of sporting organisations;

“For a long time, sport has been safe only for able-bodied, straight cis-men … Actively promoting a sport or club as a safe and inclusive space helps break down these barriers, and ensure that everyone can enjoy being active and playing sport without having to hide parts of themselves”

When asked about her advice to future leaders and volunteers alike, Kat offered insight into how individuals can prosper in their own roles, whether within MUSC or another community organisation;

“Being part of softball in Fawkner Park is incredibly special, and to those who may strive to contribute to the community my suggestions are; learn from those already contributing, share the load, and most importantly of all … have fun!”

Home to four teams, MUSC not only thrives in their diversity and inclusivity pursuits but dominates on the pitch as well; taking home a 1st and 3rd place finish in the B Grade competition and a semi-final appearance in A Grade this past season, MUSC has established themselves as a powerhouse within Melbourne Softball, simultaneously championing change throughout the sport’s local community.