In celebration of a decade-long partnership with the GIANTS, Harvey Norman is proud to spotlight community changemakers through the Harvey Norman Heroes program - individuals who go above and beyond to grow the game and make a difference in their local communities. 

One such trailblazer is Cate Droll from the Hills Phoenix, our latest Harvey Norman Hero.

Described as a driving force behind the formation and success of the club’s all-girls alliance, Cate has been instrumental in shaping Hills Phoenix’ identity while inspiring a culture of inclusivity and passion for girls’ football in Western Sydney.

Playing a pivotal role in the very first season of the Hills Phoenix in 2025, Cate has been central to helping create opportunities for girls of all ages to play the game, ensuring the historic merger between Kellyville/Rouse Hill and Baulkham Hills delivered something truly special for the community.

“So basically, we are an alliance between two clubs,” Cate explained.

“The Baulkham Hill Hawks and the Kellyville Rouse Hill Magpies identified that the growth in girls’ football, particularly in the Hills region, was struggling for some clubs. Girls were leaving and going to other sports or other clubs further north because they just couldn’t field a team in the Hills.”

Despite a fierce rivalry between Kellyville/Rouse Hill and Baulkham Hills, the clubs came together for a common goal.

“We put aside our differences and focused on getting more girls back to footy. We shared training and games evenly between both clubs, and everyone worked together.

“There were a lot of people passionate about making it a success so even though the two clubs are fierce rivals and competitors on the field, we put aside those differences and focused on getting more girls back to footy.

“Last year Kellyville wasn’t able to field a single [all girls] team and Baulkham Hills was only able to field one. So we were really focused on the ultimate goal of girls playing football in Western Sydney.”

A Hills District local, Cate first became involved at Kellyville/Rouse Hill as a media coordinator before putting her hand up to help shape the new Phoenix alliance.

“My son has just aged out of under 17s - he started in Auskick - but I don’t have any daughters,” she said.

“I’m just really passionate about women and girls in sport and about raising the profile of women’s sport.”

The Hills Phoenix project began in late 2024, with everything built from scratch.

“We kicked everything off with a new name and uniform. I took the lead on the uniform and the logo and partnered with Belgravia and New Balance - they were fantastic throughout the whole process,” Cate said.

“We thought we’d be able to get 70 girls and that was our aim… and we ended up with 122 girls this year which was incredible.

“We also aimed to field a team in every age group and we managed to do that and even had two under-15s teams - plus one of them made the grand final which was amazing.”

For Cate, it wasn’t just about numbers though - it was about creating an environment where the players felt seen and valued.

“We all know that sport is great for mental health and inclusivity. That was our goal - not just getting girls playing, but making sure they knew they’d been thought of. We got uniforms designed for girls’ bodies so they weren’t just an afterthought. The fact that we had 50 more girls than expected showed we definitely did something right.”

Told of her submission as a Harvey Norman Hero, Cate was quick to deflect praise.

“To be acknowledged - I’m really touched. But I don’t do this for recognition. I just want the focus to be on Hills Phoenix, and I want more girls to play. If we only had one volunteer, we’d fail. It’s not just about me - it’s about everybody empowering each other.”

Cate added that the Phoenix are already proving to be a true pathway for young girls.

“Three of our under-17 girls played with the East Coast Eagles in the women’s div two grand final which they won, which is really exciting. It shows the pathway is working.

 “Next year, we want even more girls to play for Hills Phoenix. We had 22 Auskick girls I think it was at Kellyville Magpies, and we want all of those girls and their friends to come play for Hills Phoenix and start playing.

“We’re only in year one, but we’re going to be bigger and better. I want people to say, ‘Go play with Hills Phoenix — they’re amazing.’”

 “I got to toss the coin at a GIANTS game this season with the Hills Phoenix girls running out with the GIANTS players. The exposure has been phenomenal, and it’s because our community is backing us.”

For Cate, the goal is simple but powerful.

“We really want to see more girls get those boots on and get out and play.”