EXCLUSIVE by Ben Gilby (23/2/26)
Above: Hannah Reynolds (7 – front row, second left) with the Australian Schoolgirls squad that toured the UK in January. Photo supplied by: Kate Reynolds.
Western Australian starlet Hannah Reynolds’ selection for the All Australian Schoolgirls’ tour of the UK last month came as rich reward for overcoming the major challenge of a diagnosis with scoliosis. The youngster has worked hard to overcome the hurdles and is going into a new NPLW WA season with Fremantle City after being a key part that unbeaten UK touring side.
“When I got diagnosed with scoliosis at just 11 years old, shortly after breaking my back, it seemed bigger than I could begin to comprehend,” Reynolds told me.
“I had no knowledge of what it was and what that could mean for my future sporting
career, though supporting hands from Bodyworks Scoliosis clinic guided me to be the strongest version of myself.
“With Lisa Zorzi creating a brace that would correct my curve to ensure it would not get more severe as I grew and to ensure my physical and mental health was nurtured during such a massive life change at such a young age.
“At age 12, I wore the brace 22 hours a day for the first year, taking it off only to train and shower. The difficulties of this was something I never imagined. I continued to perform and do what ever was possible to ensure my scoliosis was cared for, at the end of the day I knew what had to be done and I did it.
“After three years I had gone through three different braces and began to slowly ween out of it from 22 hours to 20 to 18 etc until I only wore it at night time for another six months and finally graduated from it.
“The mental challenge of knowing you weren’t like everyone else and knowing that as an athlete you had to be that much more careful of your spine was the hardest challenge. The physical pain from my spine changing its shape and having to go to training and show up at my 100% was a barrier I began to break time and time again.
“I am so grateful to have gone through something so challenging at such a young age and to realise how strong female athletes can be.”
Hannah Reynolds.
“Now at age 17, officially two years out of the brace, my scoliosis is managed and I can continue to play soccer at a high consistent level.”
Reynolds footballing journey started alongside her twin brother at the age of four at Joey soccer at UWA. She then takes up the story.
“We both then went to Subiaco but I was also doing a lot of Little Athletics and Acro so wasn’t too serious about it. I broke my back when I was 10 so things started to change. I gave up Acro and started to concentrate more on my football which I was really enjoying.
“I had a couple of seasons at UWA and Floreat before being selected in the NTC program when I was 13. I remained with the NTC until 2025, having participated at a state level at NTC for several years and also the State School Girls team.
“Being part of the NTC really helped develop my game, improved my tactical understanding and taught me how to compete under pressure against experienced players. Training with players like Grace Johnston, Tanika Lala, and Georgia Cassidy teaches you very quickly how fast and physical the game is but it also gives you something to strive toward and the desire to continually improve.
“This obstacle was made achievable with the constant motivation from my coach Sam. Being around people who are likeminded, positive and are driven with common goals has allowed me to thrive in challenging situations like this.
“Last year I made the move to Fremantle City in the NPLW WA and am now in my second year with the club. I am loving the challenge of playing and training with experienced and older players.”
Reynolds then received the ultimate honour of being selected in the Australian Schoolgirls squad for their tour of the UK in January this year. It provided memories from both on and off the pitch that will last a lifetime.
“The selection was based on our performance at the National School Sport Australia Championships in Brisbane last year. I was one of three WA girls selected along with Lacey Heys and Klaudia Houlis. The team landed in the UK as the country began to be gripped by the only spell of cold weather that it has experienced in their winter this time round, with the climate being very wet but mild on either side of the team’s time there.
“Touring the UK in winter was definitely an experience! Our first game was cancelled as there was too much snow and ice on the pitch. All our games were at night so it was even colder. We made sure we all warmed up well to avoid any injuries. But I think we all adapted quite quickly.
“The toughest aspect of the trip was being put with girls I had never met or played with before. Being put in situations where I need to quickly adapt to new people and new environments has allowed me to create a voice for myself in this game.
“Despite this being an obstacle at the beginning of the trip, it was something so easy to overcome. The girls, atmosphere and opportunities that was given to me allowed me to challenge myself and excel in new settings with new girls.
Making friends on and off the pitch is always a highlight. And not just with the other Australian girls but with the girls on the other teams. Sight seeing and also being able to do a bit of shopping was also cool.”
When Reynolds returned to Western Australia, attention quickly turned to preparations for the new NPLW WA season at Fremantle City.
After missing out on the Top Four Cup in 2025, the port city side are determined to push for success this time round.
“Pre-season has gone well so far and undoubtedly looking better than last season, the energy and desire to win and be better than last season is incredibly high. Although we have a few injuries among the team, we are still blessed with amazing U21s who are confident to step up and perform at a first team standard.
“Hopes for the team are to maintain in the top four spot throughout the season and out do our past season. We are a strong group of girls who without a doubt can achieve what we set and I am so excited to see what happens this season.
“As for my personal goals, I would love to find myself feeling comfortable within the central defensive midfield role as I will play the majority of the season there and placing myself in scoring opportunities to help our team succeed and get my confidence flourishing.”
There’s lots to be excited about beyond this year for Reynolds as she has her sites firmly set on spending more time overseas to develop her craft as a footballer.
“My main goal for this year, and the next few years, is to head over to the USA to study and play college football in September. To do that I need to continue training hard and maximising game time here so I keep learning and developing as a player. By the time I finish, I will be around 24 so maybe look to go professional either in the US or back home in Australia at that point.”
With all the determination in the world and a huge amount of ability, Hannah Reynolds has all the tools in the bag to make it.
(c) Impetus 2026.
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