Danni Roche OAM (OM 1987) is one of Melbourne Grammar School’s most successful athletes. An Olympic Gold Medallist, Danni has been able to successfully translate her sporting prowess into successful dual business and sports administration careers.
Speaking at the launch of 100 Years Young – a celebration of Grimwade House 1918–2018, Danni reflected on her time at Grimwade House. “I was a very active child so coming to a coeducational school was a perfect fit for me,” she says. “I remember loving lunchtimes and the constant activity, especially playing marbles, down ball and numerous other games.”
Danni is a firm believer in the benefits of sport during childhood. “Research clearly shows how important sport is in a primary school. It sets children up for the future, building resilience, self-esteem and healthy habits,” she says. “People are far more likely to have lower levels of obesity and to be more engaged in the community if they have been playing sport and, particularly, team sport while at school.”
“My time at Grimwade House was fantastic,” says Danni. “I recently caught up with some of the other girls who were here at the same time. It was fun reminiscing about the past and talking about how the School has changed.”
With a smile Danni said: “The most frustrating thing for me was the enforcement of 15 minutes of ‘eating time’ at the start of lunchtime before you could play on the oval. Given the benefits of being active, perhaps Grimwade should consider doing away with this rule!” she quips.
ABOUT DANNI ROCHE OAM
Danni Roche OAM is an Olympic Gold medallist Hockeyroo, competing as a member of the victorious Australian Women’s Hockey Team – the Hockeyroos – at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her services to sport in 1997.
Danni holds a Master of Business Administration and has almost twenty years of experience working in the financial, sporting and commercial industries.
Currently Danni is the Chair of the National Australia Day Council, strategic advisor to the Secretary and the Executive of the Department of Home Affairs, a Director of the St Kilda football club, a Trustee of the State Sports Centre Trust of Victoria, Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission and a Director of Ord Minnett Private Wealth Australia.
