25-year-old Jacinda Barclay is a country girl, and like most country girls, she loves her sport. But the combination of top level baseball, top level LFL and now, top level Women’s AFL is one that may get a few heads turning.
After representing the Australian Emeralds at the 2016 Women’s Baseball World Cup, as well as taking the field for the Chicago Bliss at Quarterback in the Legends Football League, one of the most unique sporting stories took another turn yesterday, when Barclay was selected by the GWS Giants at pick #65 in the inaugural AFL Women’s National Draft.
A native of Chidlow, WA, about an hour’s east of Perth, Barclay, like so many multi-talented sportswomen, have forged successful careers in a variety of sports while juggling a career off the diamond.
“In between all of the sport and travel, I work off-shore as an assistant life support technician, which involves helping deep sea divers under my care.” Barclay said.
Even in her role as an assistant life support technician, Barclay has aspirations as a Sports Psychologist, a profession she believe will enhance her ability to give back and work in the industry that has given her so much in her on-field career.
"I'm looking at getting into Sports Psychology somewhere down the line," Barclay said.
"To get an idea and understand how physiological factors effect performance on and off-field in a range of different sports interest me greatly and given my experiences in a variety of top level sports around the world, I think it would be an advantage in this career."
Barclay certainly has no problems diving into different sports, and following her recent selection to the GWS Giants; she’s excited to get back into a sport she played as a youngster.
“I was heavily into AFL as a kid,” Barclay reflected.
“I began playing when I was 12 and loved it, but ultimately I favoured baseball. I’m really excited to get back into the football environment, it’s an incredible sport with such a diverse skill base, so it’ll be great to test myself against the best players in the country.”
Barclay favouring baseball has been a choice that has seen her play in multiple Women’s Baseball World Cup, most recently playing an integral role out of the bullpen at the 2016 tournament in Korea, and even with her various sporting ties; Barclay is still firmly committed to the Australian Emeralds moving forward.
“The World Cup in Korea was great for us (The Emeralds) to come together and create a new culture with the amount of debutants we had. I’m happy to work with Simone (Wearne) moving forward and will be sure to give back as much to the Emeralds as they’ve given me.” Barclay said.
“I feel privileged to work with someone like Simone, who, even with all of my other commitments, has offered me flexibility and an opportunity to represent my country at the highest level.”
That flexibility may come in handy in the coming years, with Barclay juggling a potential move back to the Chicago Bliss, her new venture with the GWS Giants and playing an integral role in the Emeralds set-up.
“I’m the type of girl who puts her sails up and goes with the wind,” Barclay said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds, but at the moment, I’m pretty happy with how it’s all going.”
Whether she’s slinging touchdown passes, kicking bags of goals or throwing shutouts, Barclay’s story is one that all Australian sports fans should keep their eyes on moving forward.