Twenty two years ago, Natasha “Tash” Sergi was selected to represent the Australian Youth Emus, a selection she had always dreamed of. But she was soon hit with devastating news: Tash was diagnosed with Stage 2 ovarian cancer.
Refusing to let the diagnosis steal her dream, Tash pushed through chemotherapy in an attempt to hold onto her place on the team.
“After being diagnosed with Stage 2 ovarian cancer, I think I was in denial. I was determined not to let it take away everything I'd worked for. I was in the middle of training for Nationals and despite undergoing chemotherapy, I kept turning up to training because I didn't want to stop living my life,” Tash said.
As her health deteriorated, Tash was given news that she was too unwell to continue, forced to withdraw from both Nationals and the Australian team before even getting to don the green and gold.
Tash (right) lost all her hair due to the chemotherapy she was undergoing. Source: Supplied.
“At 17, I don't think I fully understood the magnitude of what was happening. I just went into survival mode. My focus shifted from chasing my dream of representing Australia to simply getting through treatment and recovery.”
Now, over two decades later, Tash is completing one of the most heartwarming comeback stories, having recently been selected for the Australian Emus Women’s 35s team to compete in Japan later this October.
Rebuilding and Reimagining the Dream
Recovery wasn't a simple straight line. Chemotherapy changed Tash’s physical health, confidence, and fitness. She had to rebuild muscle, learn to trust her body again, and be patient with herself. Over the years, life moved forward: she relocated from Canberra to Western Australia, became a mother, built a successful coaching business, and excelled across various high-level sports.
Yet, the burning desire to wear the Emus jersey was never fully extinguished.
“Life took me in different directions over time, and I poured myself into other sports and challenges, but every time I saw the Australian team play, there was always a little part of me that wondered what could have been,” Tash said.
With the gentle encouragement of her long-time coach and Touch Football father figure, Danny Goodwin, Tash decided to lace up her boots and try out for the Australian team once again, twenty two years later.
Danny (right) is a father figure to Tash (left). During her treatment, Danny would visit her in hospital, playing cards and helping her pass time. Source: Supplied.
This year, when the call came confirming her re-selection for the Australian Senior Emus, time stood still for Tash.
“It honestly didn't feel real. It was a bit of a ‘pinch me’ moment. I still don't think it's properly sunk in, and I reckon it won't until I actually step foot onto the fields in Japan in the Australian jersey.
“I couldn't help but think about 17-year-old me. She'd be stoked to know that after all this time, I finally got another chance.”
A New Meaning for the Jersey
Tash will take foot on the field in Japan this October, finally wearing the Australian green and gold, and bringing a story of unbelievable resilience, gratitude, and persistence with her.
“Being an Australian Emu means so much more to me now than it did when I was 17. Back then it was about making the team. Now it's about everything the jersey represents: resilience, teamwork, perseverance, gratitude, strength, and hard work.
“Touch football has given me lifelong friendships, life lessons and opportunities that have shaped who I am. To now represent Australia after everything that's happened makes wearing that jersey incredibly special.
“I don't think I'll ever take it for granted.”
Tash now lives an active and busy life. Source: Supplied.
In a full circle moment, Tash would now tell her 17-year-old self: “One day you’ll become a mum with 1 ovary, build an incredible life, help hundreds of people through coaching and, unbelievably, still get to wear the green and gold.”
Tash hopes that her story inspires people to understand that setbacks don’t have to be the end of their story: “Sometimes life takes you down a completely different path. And that’s okay.”
“Continue to show up, even when things don't go to plan. Keep believing in yourself, even if nobody else can see what you're working towards. You never know where that persistence might take you.”
