Daramalan has definitely got talent, but did you know there is a two-time Olympic Games medalist among our Alumni? Jo Brown, nee Alchin (1989) achieved so much in her sports career, graduated from UCLA and then returned home to Canberra, where she has raised three children and found herself in a new role.  

How did Daramalan College influence your life?    

After moving to Daramalan for Years 11 and 12, I enjoyed the friendships I made, and it is wonderful to keep in contact with many people via social media. 

I have also enjoyed attending a couple of reunions over the years. 

Who was your favourite teacher?  

I have special memories of Mick Flynn for Pastoral Care, David Garrity, my Psychology Teacher, and Mrs Pfitzner, whom I had for Art. 

What made you choose Softball?  

I was always a sporty child, doing everything from Cross Country to Little Athletics, Netball, Hockey and Softball. I made ACT Primary School Sports Teams for Softball and Hockey and continued playing both ACT Hockey and Softball until I was 18, and went overseas to attend and compete at UCLA in the USA. I had to give Hockey away at this time and only came back to it after I had children. Softball then became my main sport and led through to 10 years of Australian Softball representation and the Olympic Games. 

What do you think is your most significant sports achievement?    

1990-2000 Australian representative (243 games played for Australia) 

1991-1993 UCLA Softball Scholarship Holder (USA) 

1992 NCAA All American and NCAA Champion 

1996 Olympic Games, Atlanta, USA – Bronze Medallist 

Hit game-winning homerun against the USA at the 1996 Olympics 

2000 Olympic Games, Sydney, Australia – Bronze Medallist 

3 x World Championships 1990 (USA) Bronze Medal, 1994 (Canada) Bronze Medal, 1998 (Japan) Silver Medal 

Softball Australia and International Softball Federation (ISF) Hall of Fame Inductee 

Whatis your fondest memory of the Olympic Games? 

Atlanta Olympics: 

Hitting the game winning homerun against the USA, which put us (Australia) into the Medal Rounds and winning a Bronze Medal. 

Sydney Olympics: 

Playing in front of friends and family in Sydney. 

Winning a Bronze medal in front of a home crowd and family. 

Meeting Nelson Mandela, who was visiting the South African team in the Olympic Village. 

What are you doing outside of your athletic career? 

During my competitive Softball years, after completing University at UCLA, I worked at the ACT Academy of Sport and Australian Sports Commission. 

I am married (almost 30 years) and have three beautiful children aged 22, 20 and 16. Since returning to work after being a stay-at-home Mum for over 10 years, I have followed my passion for flowers and became a Florist. When the shine wore off, I was happily employed in Administration at St John Paul II College and still living in Canberra as my children finished off their schooling years. 

Our family love to travel and most school holidays you will find me visiting a new corner of Australia or the world. 

What is your advice for current students?    

Explore every positive opportunity that comes along.