08/10/2026
Congratulations to Rebecca 'Bec' Banyard on her induction as a Life Member of Wembley Lacrosse Club! Bec was recognised for her amazing contributions to the club at our Senior Presentation Night on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
To learn more about Bec's accomplishments, read Geoff White's, Life Member Committee Chairperson, citation about Bec from the night.
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Bec Banyard's contribution to this club is as complete a record of service as you will find anywhere in our history – as an extremely talented player, a coach, and an administrator, each at the highest level. Her story with this club spans more than 28 years.
FAMILY CONNECTION/HISTORY:
As many would know, Bec comes from a family with a long and deep connection with the club. Her lacrosse story goes beyond her life-member parents, back to her grandfather Frank, a Life Member, who introduced his family to lacrosse and brought them over to Wembley when Perth folded in 1966.
Bec always loved having a stick in her hand and, with her older sister Sally, began playing modcrosse around 8 years old (when her parents finally caved to pressure from Kevin McRae to give up their Saturday mornings). She became part of the Under 16s girls’ team at a tender 11.
ONFIELD:
State: She was a canny, gritty player with a defensive mindset from the get-go. At 13, she represented WA in the U17s. She went on to captain or co-captain a string of State Junior and Senior sides, including the U17s National Champions in 2005, and the Senior team in 2011, which won the Nationals for the first time since 1980, [when her mum Jen had been in the team]. She made 5 National Allstars teams and 9 State Allstars.
Australia: Bec proudly represented Australia in four World Cup campaigns. In 2007 she was part of the silver-medal-winning team at the Under 19 Worlds in Canada; in 2009 she was an alternate; in 2013, again in Canada, she was in the Senior team that won Bronze. In 2017, following World Cup heartbreak in England, she was part of Australia’s bronze medal win at lacrosse’s inaugural World Games appearance in Poland.
Club: But it’s here, at our club, that Bec’s quiet professionalism and skill [can be best appreciated]. In her 18 State League seasons – interrupted by two seasons playing in Vermont, USA – she was part of a phenomenal 11 premierships. She was honoured by her fellow players with the State League Fairest & Best Award a remarkable 9 times.
ADMINISTRATION:
But Bec’s passion for the game isn’t limited to the playing field. She has also taken on plenty of the behind-the-scenes hard yakka. For four years [2019–22], she held the key role of Wembley’s Director of Administration. There were 3 busy years on the committee before that, her roles including co-Director of Development, with Caitlin Ryan; being part of the U15s Nationals organising committee; and chairing the Constitutional Review committee. She became an accredited umpire too, supporting the club in a capacity not usually sought after by players.
COACHING:
Throughout her lacrosse career there’s been another side to Bec’s passion. That’s coaching the next generation of players. This year, it saw her juggle family commitments to steer the underdog U17 girls to a brilliant premiership win, Claire Ferguson her able assistant. The year also saw her co-coaching, with Caitlin Ryan, the State Under 17s to the grand final contest here in Perth.
Shown the way by both parents, but especially her coaching-legend dad, Dennis, Bec began coaching Modcrosse early. Alongside other club stalwarts like her sister Sally, Caitlin, Steph McRae, Sarah Forbes and Claire, she went on after Modcrosse to co-coach club Juniors across 6 seasons, and over the years be a mainstay and back-up at senior trainings.
Bec has stepped up too at the national level. Since 2010, Bec has been a state-based coach for three lengthy Under 19 World Championship campaigns, variously accompanied by Wembley’s
Sarah Forbes, Caitlin Ryan and Buzzy Hinkes. In 2015, Bec and Caitlin were appointed Assistant Coaches with the final team for Edinburgh.
With the return to coaching club and State Juniors this year, and her obvious dedication and love for the role, it feels safe to say that Bec’s journey with coaching is far from over.
Player, State and Australian representative, club, state and national coach, club administrator and all-round dedicated contributor to our game and to our Wembley club... Her grandfather Frank would be a very proud man today.
Please join me in recognising Rebecca (Bec) Banyard.
