The Women’s Game is an exclusive editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.
When Brooklyn FC Women forward Catherine “Zim” Zimmerman first went to Australia in 2018 to play professional soccer, she wasn’t planning on making Melbourne home for seven years.
After all, she was fully integrated into the American soccer ecosystem. Growing up, she had excelled at the youth and high school levels in Morris County, New Jersey, followed by an accomplished NCAA career at Providence College. She then started to get some looks at the professional level with Sky Blue FC (precursor to Gotham FC).
But when an injury derailed that upward trajectory, she took a chance on a move to the other side of the world.
And then life happened.
“I didn’t plan on spending so much time in Melbourne, but I fell in love with the city,” she says. “It was just a fun and beautiful place to live. The work-life balance and overall lifestyle was just really nice. But mainly I met so many great people who became my best friends that I couldn’t imagine my life without them.”
Those seven years became one of the defining chapters of Zimmerman’s career. After first featuring for lower league club Calder United for a season, she spent three seasons with A-League Women powerhouse Melbourne Victory and two seasons with Western United.
She saw her greatest success with Victory, whom she helped capture back-to-back A-League Women Championships in 2021 and 2022. She even scored in the 2022 Grand Final, a 2-1 win over rivals Sydney FC.
When Zimmerman recalls those championship seasons, the memories don’t start with trophies.
“I remember my teammates from both seasons the most,” she says. “We were the underdogs both years, but we were all so bought-in and had a belief about us that even when we were down we could still beat anyone. I learned that our bond off the field meant everything and meant the difference on the field.”
Inspired by a Legend
Long before Zimmerman began her own professional career, she was inspired by one of the game’s most accomplished players: Mia Hamm.
The legendary No. 9 for the U.S. Women’s National Team is considered one of the best women’s players ever. In the 1990s and early 2000s, she won the World Cup twice, earned two Olympic Gold medals, and was twice named FIFA World Player of the Year.
“Mia Hamm was an icon for my generation,” Zimmerman says. “She paved the way for female soccer players and gave us something to dream about. My mom met her at the airport once and got her autograph for me. She wrote ‘Dream Big’ next to her name, so she’s just always been an inspiration.”
That inspiration followed Zimmerman onto the field. At different points throughout her career, she has worn the number 9 in honor of Hamm. Currently, for Brooklyn FC, she wears the number 19, the number Hamm wore in college.
Life Beyond the Pitch
After choosing her own adventure and finding herself feeling at home Down Under, Zimmerman clearly embraces life off the field. Her interests extend well beyond soccer. She plays piano, longboards, loves traveling and says she might even be a flight attendant if she weren’t playing professionally.
“I guess the sense of adventure comes from trying to make the most out of each day,” she says. “When I’m away from soccer sometimes I like to do any type of activity. And sometimes I want to do nothing but sit on the couch and watch a show or spend time with family/friends.”
For now, Zim is channeling her adventurous nature into her second season with Brooklyn FC. She has become a vital part of the ongoing evolution of the squad under new leadership.
“Zim is one of those players you love to have in your squad,” BKFC Women General Manager Samantha Johnson says. “She brings positive energy and a relentlessness that I really love. She’s a top person.”
DID YOU KNOW?
During the offseason, Zimmermen worked at Newark Liberty International Airport helping coordinate FIFA World Cup 2026 VIP arrivals and departures.
“I didn’t want the World Cup to end because I wanted to keep working there,” she says. “I really enjoyed the experience. It was fun to play a very small role in such a huge event.”
Up Next for Brooklyn FC Women
The new-look Brooklyn FC Women, coming off of two consecutive losses to open the season, are on the road this week, looking to build chemistry and momentum.
“There will be improvements,” Head Coach Alex Smith says. “We are getting players back and new players in. We all want to put in a performance that our supporters can be proud of.”
Brooklyn FC Women play at Fort Lauderdale United FC on Friday. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM. Fans can stream the match live on Peacock.
BKFC Women return home on Sunday, September 13, to take on Sporting JAX. Kick off is at 3:00 PM. The club will celebrate women leaders in the community as part of its “Women Run the World” campaign. Tickets are available via SeatGeek.
