From Solo IVF to Football Family: Katrina Gorry’s Untold Story
In a groundbreaking revelation that challenges traditional norms, West Ham captain Katrina Gorry has opened up about her deeply personal IVF journey in 2021 – a decision she made entirely on her own while playing for Norwegian club Avaldsnes. The Australian international midfielder walked into an IVF clinic without informing friends or family, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter that would change her life forever.
“I tried not to overthink it,” Gorry shared in an exclusive interview with Mostplay. “When my period arrived unexpectedly early on the very day of my appointment, I knew this was meant to happen.” The synchronicity of timing gave her the confidence to proceed with selecting a sperm donor and beginning treatment immediately.
The Rising Trend of Solo Motherhood in Sports
Gorry‘s story reflects a growing global trend. UK fertility clinic data shows a 243% increase in single women pursuing IVF or artificial insemination between 2012-2022. In the high-pressure world of professional sports, where career longevity is often prioritized over personal life, Gorry’s decision was particularly courageous.
“A life coach asked me what was missing,” Gorry recalled. “The answer came instantly – I wanted to be a mum. That clarity cut through all the noise about career timing or societal expectations.” Within weeks of this realization, she had begun the process that would lead to her daughter’s birth.
Building a Modern Football Family
Today, Gorry‘s life looks dramatically different. Engaged to Swedish footballer Clara Markstedt, the couple has since welcomed a second child, creating what Gorry describes as “a football family built on love.” Their story represents a new normal in women’s sports, where athletes are increasingly open about diverse paths to parenthood.
However, as teammate Sam Kerr’s pregnancy announcement with partner Kristie Mewis demonstrated last November, homophobic backlash remains a harsh reality. Chelsea FC condemned the “unacceptable hate” directed at the couple, with manager Sonia Bompastor voicing strong support: “In 2024, such prejudice is incomprehensible. We’re thrilled for Sam and can’t wait to welcome their child into our football family.”
The IVF Process Through an Athlete’s Lens
Egg Retrieval and Physical Impact
Former England international Anita Asante, who underwent IVF after retiring from Aston Villa, provided Mostplay with unique insights into the physical demands of fertility treatment for athletes. “The hormone injections created this surreal heaviness – my ovaries felt like they were weighing me down during simple coaching tasks,” the Arsenal legend described.
Selecting Genetic Material
Asante and her wife Beth Fisher’s meticulous donor selection process highlights considerations unique to athlete couples:
- Prioritized a mixed-heritage donor to honor Asante’s Ghanaian roots
- Analyzed donor profiles for athletic tendencies and values alignment
- Even reviewed childhood photos and voice recordings before deciding
Changing the Conversation in Women’s Sports
Laura-Rose Thorogood, founder of LGBT Mummies, emphasizes the importance of these high-profile stories: “When athletes like Gorry and Asante share their journeys, they normalize LGBTQ+ parenting for the next generation of players.” Her organization provides crucial resources for sports professionals navigating fertility treatment.
Gorry’s message to young athletes considering similar paths is unequivocal: “Love makes a family. If we can show more of that in football, we’ll change more than just the game – we’ll change perceptions worldwide.”
For deeper analysis of these groundbreaking stories in women’s football, stay tuned to Mostplay for exclusive interviews and expert commentary on how the beautiful game is redefining modern family structures.
