Inside Out: A Story of Sport, Family and Self

(Paperback, Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Inside and Out is the inspiring story of one of Australia's all-time sporting champions: AFLW icon and basketball legend Erin Phillips.

In this honest and revealing memoir, Erin candidly looks back at her astonishing playing journey and life so far. As the daughter of Aussie Rules legend and Hall of Famer Greg Phillips, Erin's first sporting love was Australian Rules football, but at 13 years old she was forced to give up the sport she loved because there was no further pathway for girls to play the game. Devasted but not deterred, she switched codes, taking up basketball to fill the void that footy left behind. Over the next 18 years, Erin reached the highest level of international basketball, including careers with the Australian Opals, in the WNBA and in Europe. Her achievements included a gold medal at the World Championships, two Olympic Games, two WNBA Championships and serving as an assistant coach for the WNBA's Dallas Wings.

Then, in 2017, Erin'slifelong dream of playing professional football finally came true when she was invited to join the inaugural AFLW competition. She was named co-captain of the Adelaide Crows and went on to win three premierships in six seasons before moving to her dad's former club, Port Adelaide, when Port entered the league in 2022, as their inaugural captain. The newly formed women's league changed the Australian sport industry forever, and Erin Phillips was the face of that change, leading by example and gaining the support of the nation throughout her impressive career. Erin left the game with a remarkable list of achievements, including multiple All-Australian as well as league and club best and fairest awards, retiring in 2023 as the most decorated player to date.

Beyond the field and court, Erin reveals the challenges she has faced from all sides, from dealing with body image issues to discovering her sexuality, and starting a family with the love of her life.

Inside and Out is a story about love and resilience, about being okay in your skin and, most importantly, about playing by your own rules.

Reviews

'A champion in two sports. Erin is a Great Australian Story.' Bruce McAvaney

Author Bio

Erin Phillips OAM OLY is a champion Australian athlete. Erin's professional basketball career spanned from 2002 to 2016, including the WNBL and WNBA, the Australian Opals, and competitions in Europe. Her achievements include two Olympic Games, winning silver at the2008 Beijing Olympics; three World Championships, winning gold in Brazil in 2006 and bronze in Turkey in 2014; and two WNBA championships, winning with the Indiana Fever in 2012 and with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014.

As the daughter of SANFL and VFL legend Greg Phillips, Erin's first sporting love was Australian Rules football, and the AFLW finally gave her a pathway for that in 2017. Her AFLW career included three premierships in six years as co-captain of the Adelaide Crows, and a remarkable list of All-Australian, Best on Ground in a Grand Final and league best and fairest awards. Erin had the opportunity to finish her career at her dad's football club, Port Adelaide, before retiring in 2023.

Erin now works in AFL Football Operations and as a commentator for Channel 7. Erin and her wife, Tracy, have four children, Blake, Brooklyn, Drew and Londyn.