Pottharst was one of the first beach players to embrace a synergetic approach to training, bringing our sport to a whole new level of athleticism and professionalism. Pottharst always motivated teammates and opponents to raise their level of play when she was on the court.

Australia's most decorated indoor and beach player, Pottharst grabbed a Bronze Medal in beach volleyball with partner Natalie Cook at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta. The team followed that up with a Gold Medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Shortly after the Olympics, Pottharst and Cook were awarded the Order of Australia, the country’s highest honor. Pottharst competed at the 2004 Olympics in Athens with partner Summer Lochowicz. Pottharst has competed in all three Olympics featuring beach volleyball.

One of Australia's most popular sports heroes, Pottharst and Cook were selected as one of the two "Best Women's Beach Volleyball Teams of the Last Decade (1990 - 2000)" by the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) as a part of its "20th Century Best" Awards.