Resilience. Determination. Courage.
Ivy Merritt is a lacrosse goalie from Melbourne, Australia, proudly representing Williamstown Women's Lacrosse Club.
Her journey in sport is not defined by the obstacles she has faced, but by the determination she has shown in overcoming them.
Long before she stepped onto a lacrosse field, Ivy was facing challenges that most children never experience. In August 2016, she was diagnosed with bilateral Perthes disease, a rare childhood condition affecting the hips. At just five years old, she underwent major surgery, followed by months of recovery that required a wheelchair, a hospital bed at home and extensive rehabilitation.
Over the following years, Ivy continued to face multiple surgeries and recovery periods as her body grew, including corrective knee procedures for genu valgum (knock knees).
Despite these setbacks, Ivy never stopped looking for ways to stay active and challenge herself.
Her lacrosse story began in 2021 when she was introduced to Sofcrosse at school through a development program delivered by Colleen Hunter. A non-contact version of lacrosse designed for beginners, Sofcrosse gave Ivy her first taste of the sport. She represented her school at a one-day tournament and immediately enjoyed the fast pace and team environment.
Later that year, Ivy attended Williamstown Women's Lacrosse Club, where she received her first coaching session and learned the fundamentals of the game. Victoria's extended COVID lockdowns limited opportunities to play, but her enthusiasm for lacrosse continued to grow.
In 2022, Ivy played her first full season as an attacking field player in the Under 12s. Following surgery, she was advised that the safest way for her to continue playing was in goal. What initially felt like a setback would soon become a turning point.
The following season, in 2023, Ivy officially became a goalie in the Under 14s. After another knee operation in February, she was once again restricted to playing in goal. Encouraged by team manager Karsha Parsons to give the position a chance, Ivy reluctantly put on the goalkeeper gear.
It quickly became clear she had found her place in the sport.
Around this time, she was introduced to respected coach Glen Mollison, who recognised her natural ability, provided specialist coaching and gave her her first goalie stick.
By the end of the season, Ivy's hard work and rapid development were recognised when she received Williamstown's Most Improved Player Award.
The years that followed saw Ivy's talent emerge on the national stage.
In 2024, she competed at her first national tournament in Adelaide, representing the President's Team, Mayhem, at the Under 15 National Tournament. Her performances earned her the tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
In 2025, Ivy represented Victoria's ICE team at the Under 15 National Tournament in Perth, once again earning MVP honours for her performances in goal.
2026 was a breakout year for Ivy. She competed at the Under 18 National Tournament in Perth as a member of the President’s Team Valkyries, before representing Victoria in Fire at the U15 National Tournament on the Sunshine Coast in October. Fire dominated the competition, finishing undefeated and securing the National Championship.
Today, Ivy is known as an athletic, fearless and competitive goalie. She is confident outside the crease, willing to challenge attackers, chase down loose balls and create opportunities for her team. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to launch fast, accurate clears that turn defence into attack.
But beyond her skills on the field, Ivy is known for her resilience, positive attitude, sense of humour and unwavering refusal to give up.
From hospital wards and rehabilitation programs to national tournaments and representative teams, Ivy's story is one of perseverance, growth and courage. Every challenge she has faced has helped shape the athlete she is becoming.
And for Ivy, this is only the beginning. The journey continues, one save at a time. 🥍💙
