TRIBUTES FLOW FOR ‘AMAZING’ ZOE
TEEN ASTHMA TRAGEDY:
ZOE Kennedy was kind, caring and compassionate.
The Geelong teenager had a passion for netball, was devoted to her friends and was known as the “gatherer” who brought people together.
The Sacred Heart College year 8 student also loved school and dreamt of playing netball for years to come.
Sadly the 13-year-old died on June 19 after an asthma attack.
Zoe’s dad, Lachie Kennedy, has remembered his daughter as a beautiful girl and soul who was “an absolute star” on the netball court.
She had a strong bond with mum Annah and was “best friends” with siblings Maggie, 11, and Ned, 8.
“They meant the world to each other,” Mr Kennedy said.
Zoe was always around sport. Her dad is a Bell Park Football Club vice-president and premiership player.
She would spend time around the club and first developed a passion for netball at eight while in grade 2.
Zoe first played netball with the St Roberts Primary School team in 2014 and won three back-to-back grand finals with the club before joining the Newtown & Chilwell Football and Netball Club in 2016.
In 2018 she was awarded the 13 and under division two coaches award medal and last year captained the club’s first division one GFNL team to a premiership.
Coach Kirsten Strammachia said she had never met a young person with as much drive and charisma.
“Zoe showed so much respect to everyone at the club and also towards her opposition and umpires, this made Zoe a fantastic leader,” Ms Strammachia said. At 12, Zoe achieved a milestone of 50 games for the club.
Her 2018 coach, Abbey Lynch, remembered her infectious personality, selflessness and willingness to put her best into everything she did.
But Zoe was also passionate off court, coaching the under-11s side and being a pillar of support.
Mr Kennedy said she loved people and was dedicated to her teammates.
“She was a gatherer and just loved the club atmosphere,” he said. “She loved school, she loved her family.”
He said she had not allowed asthma to stop her pursuing her passions.
“Zoe was just the most beautiful caring and kind and amazing human being you’ll ever meet,” Mr Kennedy said. “She was a lover of people.” Club junior co-ordinator Lee Doherty said Zoe would not be forgotten.
“Zoe was one as a coach I’d think many times, ‘I can’t wait to see what she becomes’,” Ms Doherty said.
Her life will be celebrated at private funeral on Wednesday, which will be webcast through Kings Funerals.