For most of us, curling is a sport we only see every four years on TV during the Winter Olympics. But for one of our commercial managers, Michelle, it’s become a major part of her life—one that has taken her to international competitions and even earned her a gold medal representing Australia.
Michelle’s journey into curling started in 2003 when she first visited Canada with her husband.
“My hubby is Canadian, so I didn’t really have a choice,” Michelle joked.
That first experience on the ice sparked a passion, and when the sport arrived in Western Australia in 2016, she was quick to get involved, helping to establish CurlingWA and joining the league.
What sets curling apart, according to Michelle, is its unique mix of strategy, teamwork, and skill.
“It’s a team-oriented sport that requires both physical skill and mental focus,” she explains. But beyond the competition, it’s the sense of camaraderie and inclusivity that makes curling special.
“The community is so welcoming—it’s a sport for all ages and abilities,” she said.
Her love for the sport has paid off in a big way. Michelle was part of the Australian Women’s Curling team that won gold at the 2024 Pan Continental Curling Championship Division B in Canada—an unforgettable moment in her career.
“Winning gold and getting Australia back into the A Division was the first big goal,” she said.
Now, her sights are set on taking home another national title in May and securing a spot at the World Championships.
Balancing a high-level sporting career with a demanding role at Monos’ is no small feat.
Training is a mix of on-ice sessions on Sunday nights, off-ice strategy meetings, and fitness and mindset work during the week.
“It’s a bit of a juggling act after work,” she admits. But it’s a challenge she takes in stride, finding that the skills she hones in curling—strategy, teamwork, and communication—translate well into her role at work.
“A lot of the team dynamics, mindset, strategy, and communication skills I use in curling help me in my job every day,” she explained.
Her Monos’ teammates have been nothing but supportive, with many fascinated by her achievements. “So, the Olympics next?” is a question she hears quite often.
“They’re genuinely excited about it, I think some of them are just waiting for me to rock up to work in a Team Australia tracksuit,” she said.
While the Olympics may be a stretch, Michelle isn’t ruling anything out. In fact, she’d love to introduce curling to Monos in the form of a fun company tournament.
“A Monos’ Curling Bonspiel—like the Mono’s Footy Cup, but on ice!” Michelle almost joked.