McGowan notches up milestone 400th game

This weekend, a significant milestone will be celebrated in the Outer East district with Pakenham Lions Captain Kate McGowan playing her 400^th netball game against Narre Warren.

A former premier league player, McGowan has devoted her entire playing career to the Lions, having been associated with the club since she began playing netball in the under 13’s competition in 1998.

Lions President Marg Jones was very excited to honour McGowan’s achievement this weekend, noting her passion for the sport and club as important aspects of her career.

“Kate is a true club champion,” Jones said.

“She is not only an amazing role model on the court, but off the court as well.

“She is fearless, a great competitor, very skilled and coachable even after so many games played with us, which means she still has the passion to expand her knowledge of the game.”

McGowan is described as fearlessly loyal to the club, particularly through tough times at Pakenham where she continued to stand by the club.

As club captain, her mentoring of the younger age group is invaluable as she is passionate about developing the next generation coming through at the Lions.

“Kate is a great leader for us both on and off the court as she will always put her hand up to help with club activities and always puts herself out there to make sure the club can be led in the most positive direction going forward,” Jones explained.

“She loves to interact and encourage young people coming through because she remembers that she was one of them.

“She really values the pathway of the Lions and the coaching provided to her over the years, so she always gives back to us. She is a great club ambassador.”

McGowan’s long list of achievements with the club include five premierships and four best and fairest awards, culminating in her appointment as club captain last season which places her among Pakenham royalty.

There are no signs of stopping any time soon either, with Kate fully invested in the club with the recent announcement of the coaching panel for 2022 strongly supported by McGowan, which indicates to Jones that she will be around for a long while yet.

“I think she will keep playing as long as she can maintain the fitness and withstand the pounding it takes on the court,” she explained.

With the weekend and the milestone fast approaching, Jones wished to congratulate McGowan in making this achievement and is looking forward to seeing the day unfold.

“The Pakenham Lions Netball Club are incredibly proud of Kate and her achievements, and all her netball family cannot wait to congratulate and cheer her on this weekend.”