The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, where we must all unite to transform challenges into opportunities and shape a better future for all.
Sunshine Coast Lightning Game Day and Events Manager, Jordy Albeck has worked at Lightning for just over six years. After graduating from uni and spending two years working as the Community and Events Coordinator, she progressed to her current role where she now leads all of Lightning’s major events including end of year awards, corporate functions and game days.
Jordy was absent from the 2022 season as she took time off to welcome her first child, Darcie.
If you’ve been to a Lightning home game, you can thank Jordy for the incredible atmosphere and community spirit that’s created at UniSC Arena. Jordy has a flare for meticulous organisation, and her leadership among the wider Marketing team is one that’s respected and adored by her peers.
In recognition of Jordy’s passion and hard work, she was awarded Club Person of Year at the 2023 A Night With Lightning function — our end of year awards night.
What made you begin a career in women’s sports? And what has kept you in it?
“I always knew I wanted to work in sport, but working in women’s sport specifically was just a super lucky outcome.
“I think our Club as a whole is what has kept me in it. We have something really special at Sunshine Coast Lightning and the wider Storm Group, and it’s something I feel really lucky to be a part of.”
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? And can you speak to how important it is for sporting organisations (in particular) to honour these days?
“IWD to me means celebrating all of the success, achievements and accomplishments of every woman in my life. I’m lucky to be surrounded by inspiring, wonderful, successful and beautiful women in my life every day, so the opportunity to recognise them on this day is something that I value greatly.
“Sporting organisations celebrating this day takes that even further, not only because women’s sport continues to grow, but it also allows us to celebrate the women behind the scenes that bring everything together.”
Do you have a message for young women thinking about a career in sport?
Sport is special and its ability to bring people together is like nothing you will experience elsewhere. Women’s sport in general takes that to the next level — being involved in women’s sport is special, especially at the moment. If you have the opportunity to work in sport, don’t pass it up!
