by Staff Writer
Wednesday, 10th September 2025
Katrina Gorry says she has never experienced the kind of support she has found at West Ham United.
The Australia international joined the Hammers in January 2024, quickly settled into WSL football and just eight months later was named club captain.
Despite an injury cutting short her debut season, Gorry thrived in West Ham’s record-breaking 2024/25 campaign, scoring her first goals and winning the WSL’s Player Champion of Change award for her openness about overcoming an eating disorder and her journey through IVF and parenthood.
“It’s home for me here,” she said. “The support we have, not just on the field but off it too, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this sort of love from a football team. When I play, I leave everything out there because of how I feel off the field and the belief the club has instilled in me.”
A close working relationship with manager Rehanne Skinner has also helped Gorry flourish. “There’s not many coaches that you really feel you can be yourself around," she added. "They see your strengths, pull you up on your weaknesses, and help you become a better leader. I think having that relationship has made me go to a different strength.”
With five summer signings, including Anna Csiki and Ffion Morgan, Gorry echoed her manager’s view on the importance of balance in the squad. “It’s great to have that mix. The experienced players help the young ones settle in, and if you can add a little bit from everyone, the team can go from strength to strength.”
Looking ahead to Friday’s London derby against Arsenal, Gorry recalled last season’s comeback draw at Chelsea as a defining moment: “That just showed where we were as a team and how much belief we had in ourselves, and each other.”
* West Ham face Arsenal at the Chigwell Construction Stadium (Dagenham & Redbridge FC) on Friday 12 September (kick off 7.30pm). The game, the club's first home fixture since May, will be broadcast live on SkySports.
The two teams last met during pre-season when a late brace from Arsenal's Frida Maanum secured a 2-0 win for Renée Slegers' side.
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